SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
Senior Division, No. 285, Third Quarter, 1966
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts,
to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible.
If God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of
mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps
to Christ,
page go.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath
School lesson each day of the week.
Nana
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
God's Purpose for This Earth
2.
God's Purpose Revealed Through the Patriarchs
3.
God Reveals His Purpose to National Israel
4.
God's Glorious Plan for Israel
5.
Israel's Failure and God's Mercy
6.
Prophecies of Disaster and Hope
7.
The Vineyard of the Lord
8.
Christ Rejected by His Chosen People
9.
Spiritual Israel Replaces Literal Israel
10.
Prophecy and the Church
11.
Attempts to Defeat God's Purposes
12.
The Remnant Preserved
13.
Climax of God's Purpose
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 285, July-September, 1966. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues); no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,
California 94040. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579
requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1966, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE PEOPLE OF PROMISE
A study of God's purpose for His people, ancient and modern.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The people of promise are, by definition,
those in whom Christ has become the
center of life, the foundation of doctrine,
and the motive of action. Throughout
all time God has sought out such a people,
and to these—His truehearted servants—
He has given the promises of abundant
and everlasting life. Repeatedly God has
named Israel as His people; and it is
His purpose that they should share the
wonders of His love and goodness. This
He made possible through Jesus Christ.
Through the divine Son of_God, those
"who sometimes were far off' 'are restored
to unity and fellowship with God.
The Biblical account witnesses that God's
purpose always anticipates man's needs.
It also records the calling of the patriarchs
through whom God sought to work out
His purposes. Sacred history indicates, too,
the establishment of the Jewish theocracy.
Prophecy and the divine Word faithfully
outline the story of the kingdom of Israel,
and what they might have been fills many
pages of the Old Testament. That they
failed to meet God's pattern is also re-
corded.
It is our aim in this series of lessons to
show God's fundamental purpose for His
people, both the literal and the spiritual
Israel. Through the Word of God we
shall see that, though the nation of ancient
Israel failed, God's purposes for those who
belong to Him have not failed. They are
meeting their fulfillment now in the lives
of those who make up the remnant church.
Lesson 1, for July 2, 1966
God's Purpose for This Earth
MEMORY VERSE:
"Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath
and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His
Ps. 100:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 44-51, 63-70 (chapters
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover God's purpose in creating the earth.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
made us,
pasture."
2 and 4);
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: General introduction;
questions 1-3.
0
Monday: Questions 4-6
;
begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10, 11;
read further from study helps. 0
Thursday: Questions 12-14; finish
reading study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
0
f 3
1
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Purpose in Creation
1.
The earth to be inhabited and
dominion restored. Isa. 45:18.
2.
Man given dominion over the
earth. Ps. 8:6-8; 115:16.
3.
Man created for the glory of God,
and for companionship with God.
Isa. 43:7; Acts 17:24-27.
II. God's Purpose Delayed by Sin
4.
Mankind now all under sin.
Rom. 3:9-12, 23.
5.
Salvation provided by God through
Jesus Christ. John 3:16; Col. 1:27.
6.
Lost dominion restored through
Jesus Christ. Col. 1:19, 20.
III. God Seeks a People
7. Salvation freely offered to all. Rev.
22:17.
8. Sinners justified by Christ's death,
saved by His life. Rom. 5:8-10, 21.
9. The redeemed, God's chosen,
peculiar people. 1 Peter 2:9, 10;
Titus 2:14.
IV. God's Purpose Realized
10. Union between God and man
effected. Rev. 7:4, 9, 10.
11. They to be His people, He to be
their God. Rev. 21:3 ; 22:3, 4.
V. God's Mercy for Sinners
12. God not willing that any should
perish. Ezek. 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9.
13. God, the divine Shepherd; His peo-
ple, the sheep. Ps. 100:3; 79:13 ;
95:7.
14. God's people, righteous overcomers,
heirs through Christ. Isa. 60:21;
Gal. 3:29; Rev. 21:7.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"God created the earth to be the abode
of holy, happy beings. The Lord 'formed
the earth and made it; He hath established
it, He created it not in vain, He formed
it to be inhabited.' Isaiah 45:18. That
purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed
by the power of God, and freed from sin
and sorrow, it shall become the eternal
abode of the redeemed."-Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 67.
God's Purpose in
.
Creation
1.
What affirmation does the
prophet make concerning God's pur-
pose for this earth? Isa.
45:18.
Com-
pare Isa. 11:9.
2.
In the original plan for this
earth, what relation was man to have
toward God's creation? Ps. 8:6-8;
115:16.
NOTE.
-"While
they remained true to
God, Adam and his companion were to
bear rule over the earth. Unlimited con-
trol was given them over every living
thing. The lion and the lamb sported
peacefully around them or lay down to-
gether at their feet. The happy birds
flitted about them without fear; and as
their glad songs ascended to the praise of
their Creator, Adam and Eve united with
them in thanksgiving to the Father and the
Son."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 50.
3.
What two purposes has God in"
mind for His created beings? Isa.
43:
7;
Acts
17:24-27.
NOTE.
-"The
holy pair were not only
children under the fatherly care of God
but students receiving instruction from
the all-wise Creator. They were visited
by angels, and were granted communion
with their Maker, with no obscuring veil be-
tween."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 50.
"So long as they remained loyal to the
divine law, their capacity to know, to
enjoy, and to love would continually in-
crease. They would be constantly gaining
new treasures of knowledge, discovering
fresh springs of happiness, and obtaining
clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the
immeasurable, unfailing love of God."-
Ibid.,
p. 51.
[4]
God's Purpose Delayed by Sin
4.
How complete is man's enslave-
ment to sin? Rom. 3:9-12, 23.
NOTE.—"Under the curse of sin all nature
was to witness to man of the character and
results of rebellion against God. When
God made man He made him ruler over the
earth and all living creatures. So long as
Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature
was in subjection to him. But when he
rebelled against the divine law,, the in-
ferior creatures were in rebellion against
his rule. Thus the Lord, in His great
mercy, would show men the sacredness of
His law, and lead them, by their own ex-
perience, to see the danger of setting it
aside, even in the slightest
degree."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 59, 60.
5.
What provision had been made
for the restoration of man? John 3:
16; Col. 1:27.
NOTE.—" 'And the counsel of peace shall
be between them both.' The love of the
Father, no less than of the Son, is the
fountain of salvation for the lost race.
Said Jesus to His disciples before He went
away:
say not unto you, that I will
pray the Father for you: for the Father
Himself loveth you.' John 16:26, 27. God
was 'in Christ, reconciling the world unto
Himself.' 2 Corinthians
5:19."—The Great
Controversy,
pages 416, 417.
6.
Through whom will "all things"
be reconciled? Col. 1:19, 20.
God Seeks a People
7.
What gracious invitation
God extend to all mankind?
22:17. Compare Isa. 55:1, 2.
•
does
Rev.
NOTE.—"The God of heaven is pleading
with His erring children to return to Him,
that they may again cooperate with Him
in carrying forward His work in the earth.
The Lord holds out His hand to take the
hand of Israel and to help them to the
narrow path of self-denial and self-sacri-
fice, to share with Him the heirship as
sons of God. Will they -be entreated?
Will they discern their only hope?"—
Prophets and Kings,
pages 706, 707.
8.
What is the purpose of Christ's
death on the cross, and of His life?
Rom. 5:8-10, 21.
9.
How does God regard those who
have been redeemed through His
plan? 1 Peter 2:9, 10; Titus 2:14.
NOTE.—"The church is God's appointed
agency for the salvation of men. It was
organized for service, and its mission is
to carry the gospel to the world. From
the beginning it has been God's plan that
through His church shall be reflected to
the world His fullness and His sufficiency.
The members of the church, those whom
He has called out of darkness into His mar-
velous light, are to show forth His glory.
The church is the repository of the riches
of the grace of Christ; and through the
church will eventually be made manifest,
even to 'the principalities and powers in
heavenly places,' the final and full display
of the love of
God."—The Acts of the
Apostles,
page 9.
God's Purpose Realized
10.
How does the prophet describe
the fulfillment of God's search for a
faithful remnant? Rev. 7:4, 9, 10.
Compare Rom. 9:25, 26.
NOTE.—"Nearest the throne are those
who were once zealous in the cause of
Satan, but who, plucked as brands from
the burning, have followed their Saviour
with deep, intense devotion. Next are
those who perfected Christian characters
in the midst of falsehood and infidelity,
those who honored the law of God when
the Christian world declared it void, and
the millions, of all ages, who were martyred
for their faith. And beyond is the 'great
multitude, which no man could number, of
all nations, and kindreds, and people, and
tongues, . . . before the throne, and be-
]
fore the Lamb, clothed with white robes,
and palms in their hands.' Revelation 7:9.
Their warfare is ended, their victory won.
They have run the race and reached the
prize. The palm branch in their hands is
a symbol of their triumph, the white robe
an emblem of the spotless righteousness of
Christ which now is theirs."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 665.
11.
What relationship will finally
be established between God and the
redeemed? Rev. 21:3; 22:3, 4.
NOTE.—"Restored to His presence, man
will again, as at the beginning, be taught
of God: 'My people shall know My name:
. . . they shall know in that day that I
am He that doth speak: behold, it is I.'
"—
Education,
page 302.
God's Mercy for Sinners
12.
How are God's long-suffering
and mercy displayed in His search
for a faithful people? Ezek. 33:11;
2 Peter 3:9.
NoTE.—"God does not desire the de-
struction of any. 'As I live; saith the Lord
God, I have no pleasure in the death of
the wicked; but that the wicked turn
from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye
from your evil ways; for why will ye
die?' Ezek. 33:11. Throughout the period
of probationary time His Spirit is en-
treating men to accept
the
gift of life.
It is only those who reject His pleading
that will be left to perish. God has de-
clared that sin must be destroyed as an
evil ruinous to the universe. Those who
cling to sin will perish in its destruction."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 123.
13.
Under what figure does the
psalmist describe God's relationship
to His people? Ps.
100:3; 79:13; 95:7.
NOTE.—"The shepherd's life of diligence
and care-taking, and his tender compassion
for the helpless creatures intrusted to his
charge, have been employed by the in-
spired writers to illustrate some of the
most precious truths of the gospel. Christ,
in His relation to His people, is compared
to a shepherd. After the Fall, He saw His
sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways
of sin. To save these wandering ones He
left the honors and glories of His Father's
house."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 190.
14.
How have the true followers of
God been described in the Bible?
Isa. 60:21; Gal. 3:29; Rev.
21:7.
NoTE.—"The central theme of the Bible,
the theme about which every other in
the whole book clusters, is the redemption
plan, the restoration in the human soul
of the image of God. From the first inti-
mation of hope in the sentence pronounced
in Eden to that last glorious promise of
the Revelation, 'They shall see His face;
and His name shall be in their foreheads'
(Revelation 22:4), the burden of every
book and every passage of the Bible is
the unfolding of this wondrous theme,—
man's uplifting,—the power of God,
`which giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.'
"—Education,
pages
125, 126.
Lesson 2, for July 9, 1966
God's Purpose Revealed Through the Patriarchs
MEMORY VERSE:
"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth,
but of God that sheweth mercy." Rom. 9:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 145-155 (chapter 13); "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand how God worked through a line of holy men to
reveal His eternal purpose for the restoration of mankind.
[6]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13;
begin reading study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Adam, and God's Purpose
1.
Evil to be destroyed by the Seed
of our first parents. Gen. 3:15;
Rev. 19:11-16; Heb. 2:14.
2.
The sacrificial system pointed to
a
coming Redeemer. Gen. 4:2-4;
8:20, 21.
II. Noah, and the Promise
3.
Noah and family only faithful
ones in a depraved society. Gen.
6:5-9; 7:1.
4.
The rainbow a pledge of God's
mercy. Gen. 9:11-17.
III. Abraham, and God's Purpose
5. All nations to be blessed through
Abraham's Seed. Gen. 22:17, 18.
6. The father of the faithful instructed
his household. Gen. 18:19; 26:4, 5.
7. Faith in God's promise made
Abraham willing to sacrifice his
son. Gen. 22:12; Heb. 11:17-19;
James 2:21-23.
IV. Abraham, Father of the Faithful
8. God's promises dependent upon
Abraham's faith. Rom. 4:3-5;
Gen. 15:5, 6.
9. Promises made to Abraham include
the whole world. Gal. 3:7-9.
10. Promises available to all through
Christ. Gal. 3:14, 29.
V. Abraham, and the Promised Seed
11. Seed of Abraham defined as Christ.
Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16.
12. Faith in Christ the basis of our
sonship to God. Gal. 3:26.
13. God's love demonstrated in gift
of His Son. 1 John 4:9, 10, 19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
God's purpose is eternal. It does not
differ from one generation to another. Even
before Abraham received the glorious vi-
sion of an earth peopled with his faithful
descendants, God had provided a plan
through which He would redeem fallen
mankind.
To the patriarchs God revealed glimpses
of the divine purpose as clear and un-
mistakable as any later revelation. "From
the beginning there have been some whose
faith has reached out beyond the shadows
of the present to the realities of the future.
Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methusaleh, Noah,
Shem, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-through
these and other worthies the Lord has
preserved the precious revealings of His
will."-Prophets and Kings,
pages 682, 683.
Adam, and God's Purpose
1. Through whom will the struggle
between good and evil finally reach a
triumphant conclusion? Gen. 3:15;
Rev. 19:11-16; Heb. 2:14.
NOTE.
-"Heavenly
angels more fully
opened to our first parents the plan that
had been devised for their salvation. Adam
and his companion were assured that not-
withstanding their great sin, they were not
to be abandoned to the control of Satan.
The Son of God had offered to atone, with
His own life, for their transgression. A
period of probation would be granted them,
and through repentance and faith in Christ
they might again become the children of
God."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 66.
[ 7
1
2.
What form of worship was
early practiced among God's true
followers? Gen. 4:2-4; 8:20, 21.
NOTE.—"They knew that in these offer-
ings they were to express faith in the
Saviour whom the offerings typified, and
at the same time to acknowledge their
total dependence on Him for pardon; and
they knew that by thus conforming to the
divine plan for their redemption, they were
giving proof of their obedience to the will
of God. Without the shedding of blood
there could be no remission of sin; and
they were to show their faith in the blood
of Christ as the promised atonement by
offering the firstlings of the flock in sac-
rifice."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 71.
Noah, and the Promise
3.
How complete was the degrada-
tion of mankind before the great
Flood? Who only was found faith-
ful? Gen. 6:5-9; 7:1.
4.
How did God reveal to Noah
and succeeding generations the assur-
ance of His love and mercy? Gen. 9:
11-17. Compare Rev. 4:3.
NOTE.—"By faith let us look upon the
rainbow round about the throne, the cloud
of sins confessed behind it. The rainbow
of promise is an assurance to every humble,
contrite, believing soul, that his life is one
with Christ, and that Christ is one with
God. The wrath of God will not fall upon
one soul that seeks refuge in Him. God
Himself has declared, 'When I see the
blood, I will pass over you.' The bow
shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon
it, that I may remember the everlast-
ing
covenant.' "—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 157.
Abraham, and God's Purpose
5.
In what words did God reveal
to Abraham His purpose for man-
kind? Gen. 22:17, 18. Compare Gen.
18:18.
NOTE.—"Abraham, . . . to whom the
covenant promise was first given, had been
called to go forth from his kindred, to
the regions beyond, that he might be. a
lightbearer to the heathen. Although the
promise to him included a posterity as
numerous as the sand by the sea, yet it was
for no selfish purpose that he was to be-
come the founder of a great nation in the
land of Canaan. God's covenant with him
embraced all the nations of the earth."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 368.
6.
What trait of character in Abra-
ham made him the kind of person
God could choose as the father of the
faithful? Gen. 18:19; 26:4, 5. Com-
pare James 2:23.
NOTE.—"God called Abraham to be a
teacher of His Word, He chose him to be
the father of a great nation, because He
saw that Abraham would instruct his chil-
dren and his household in the principles
of God's law. And that which gave power
to Abraham's teaching was the influence
of his own life. His great household con-
sisted of more than a thousand souls, many
of them heads of families, and not a few
but newly converted from heathenism. Such
a household required a firm hand at the
helm. No weak, vacillating methods would
suffice. Of Abraham God said, 'I know him,
that he will command his children and
his household after him.' Genesis 18, 19.
Yet his authority was exercised with such
wisdom and tenderness that hearts were
won. . . . And Abraham's influence ex-
tended beyond his own household. Wher-
ever he pitched his tent, he set up beside
it the altar for sacrifice and worship. When
the tent was removed, the altar remained;
and many a roving Canaanite, whose
knowledge of God had been gained from
the life of Abraham His servant, tarried
at that altar to offer sacrifice to Jehovah.
"No less effective today will be the
teaching of God's Word when it finds as
faithful a reflection in the teacher's life."—
Education,
pages 187, 188.
7.
How did Abraham's willingness
to sacrifice Isaac reveal his spirit of
cooperation with God's purpose?
Gen. 22:12; Heb. 11:17-19; James 2:
21-23.
[ 8
I
NoTE.—"Isaac was a figure of the Son of
God, who was offered a sacrifice for the
sins of the world. God would impress upon
Abraham the gospel of salvation to man.
In order to do this, and make the truth a
reality to him as well as to test his faith,
He required him to slay his darling Isaac.
All the sorrow and agony that Abraham
endured through that dark and fearful
trial were for the purpose of deeply im-
pressing upon his understanding the plan
of redemption for fallen man. He was
made to understand in his own experience
how unutterable was the self-denial of the
infinite God in giving His own Son to die
to rescue man from utter
ruin."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 3, p. 369.
Abraham, Father of the Faithful
8.
Upon what were the blessings
promised to Abraham and his seed
dependent? Rom. 4:3-5; Gen. 15:5, 6.
NOTE.—"It was a high honor to which
Abraham was called, that of being the
father of the people who for centuries were
the guardians and preservers of the truth
of God for the world—of that people
through whom all the nations of the earth
should be blessed in the advent of the
promised Messiah. But He who called the
patriarch judged him worthy. It is God
that speaks. He who understands the
thoughts afar off, and places the right
estimate upon men, says, 'I know him.'
There would be on the part of Abraham
no betraying of the truth for selfish
pur-
poses."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
140, 141.
9.
In the ultimate plan of God how
broad are the promises made to Abra-
ham? Gal. 3:7-9.
NOTE.—"The object of God in choosing
a people before all the world was not only
that He might adopt them as His sons and
daughters, but that through them the world
might receive the grace that bringeth sal-
vation. When the Lord chose Abraham
it was not simply to be the special friend
of God, but to be a medium of the peculiar
privileges the Lord desired to bestow upon
the
nations."—Prophets and Kings,
page
231, 232.
10.
How may we receive the bless-
ings promised to Abraham? Gal. 3:
14, 29.
Abraham, and the Promised Seed
11.
To whom in particular did
Paul apply the "seed" promised to
Abraham? Gen. 22:18; Gal. 3:16.
12.
On what basis does God choose
His children? Gal. 3:26.
NOTE.—"The Spirit of. God is freely be-
stowed to enable every man to lay hold
upon the means of salvation. Thus Christ,
`the true Light,'
every man that
cometh into the world.' John 1:9. Men
fail of salvation through their own willful
refusal of the gift of life."—T
he Great
Controversy,
page 262.
13.
In the divine plan for our sal-
vation how is the great breadth and
depth of the love of God for us re-
vealed? 1 John 4:9, 10, 19.
NOTE.—"Do not look to men nor hang
your hopes upon them, feeling that they
are infallible, but look to Jesus constantly.
Say nothing that would cast a reproach
upon our faith. Confess your secret sins
alone before your God. Acknowledge your
heart wanderings to Him who knows per-
fectly how to treat your case. . . . Your
fellowmen cannot absolve you from sin
or cleanse you from iniquity. Jesus is
the only one who can give you peace. He
loved you and gave Himself for you. His
great heart of love is 'touched with the
feeling of our infirmities.' What sins are
too great for Him to pardon? What soul
too dark and sin-oppressed for Him to
save? He is gracious, not looking for merit
in us, but of His own boundless goodness
healing our backslidings and loving us
s
freely, while we are yet sinners.".
—Testi-
monies, Vol.
5, p. 649.
[
91
Lesson 3, for July 16, 1966
God Reveals His Purpose to National Israel
MEMORY VERSE:
"For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord
thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all
people that are upon the face of the earth." Deut. 7:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 291-314 (chapters 26, 27); "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover God's purpose in choosing Israel to be His people.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin
reading study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
further from study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. God's Promise Remembered
1.
God released Israel from bondage
in fulfillment of His promise.
Ps. 105:42-45.
2.
God's choice of Israel based on
His previous promise. Deut.
7:7, 8; 4:37, 38.
3.
God's people to be holy and
peculiar. Ex. 19:5, 6.
II. God's Covenant Proclaimed
4.
A covenant between God and His
people. Deut. 5:2-4.
5.
The covenant command, written by
God's finger. Ex. 24:7; Deut. 4:13.
6.
Israel broke the covenant they had
made. Ex. 32:7, 8.
7. A Saviour from sin needed.
Heb. 9:8-12.
III. Love and Obedience Desired
8. Obedience to God's laws required.
Deut. 10:12, 13.
9. The commandments to be written
in the heart. Ezek. 36:26; Heb.
8:10.
10. Love to God and man the motive
for obedience. Deut. 6:5 ; Lev.
19:18.
IV. Holiness Declared Essential •
11. Continual instruction in God's
requirements enjoined. Deut.
6:4-9.
12. Holiness God's desire for His peo-
ple. Deut. 26:16-19.
13. Obedience one of the character-
istics of those who will enter God's
kingdom. Isa. 1:19 ; 26:2.
THE LESSON
Introduction
It may seem strange to us that God
should choose a specific nation in order
to reveal His will to mankind. But God
had a definite purpose in view. "He de-
signed that the principles revealed through
His people should be the means of restoring
the moral image of God in man.
"God's law must be exalted, His author-
ity maintained; and to the house of
Israel was given this great and noble work.
God separated them from the world, that
He might commit to them a sacred trust.
[ 10 ]
He made them the depositaries of His law,
and He purposed through them to pre-
serve among men the knowledge of Him-
self. Thus the light of heaven was to shine
out to a world enshrouded in darkness,
and a voice was to be heard appealing to
all peoples to turn from idolatry to serve the
living
God."—Prophets and Kings,
page 16.
God's Promise Remembered
1.
While Israel was in bondage,
what did God do in fulfillment of
His promise? Ps. 105:42-45.
NoTE.—"But like the stars in the vast
circuit of their appointed path, God's pur-
poses know no haste and no delay. Through
the symbols of the great darkness and the
smoking furnace, God had revealed to
Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt,
and had declared that the time of their
sojourning should be four hundred years.
`Afterward,' He said, 'shall they come out
with great substance.' Gen. 15.:14. Against
that word, all the power of Pharaoh's
proud empire battled in vain. On 'the
selfsame day' appointed in the divine prom-
ise, 'it came to pass, that all the hosts of
the Lord went out from the land of Egypt.'
Ex.
12:41."—The Desire of Ages,
page 32.
2.
Why did God choose Israel from
among the nations of their time?
Deut. 7:7, 8; 4:37, 38.
NoTE.—"God desired
to
make of His
people Israel a praise and a glory. Every
spiritual advantage was given them. God
withheld from them nothing favorable to
the formation of character that would
make them representatives of Himself.
"Their obedience to the law of God
would make them marvels of prosperity
before the nations of the world. . . . God
furnished them with every facility for be-
coming the greatest nation on the earth."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 288.
Not because they were worthy, but be-
cause of His love did God choose Israel.
3.
What high purpose did God
have for His chosen people? Ex.
19:5, 6.
NOTE.—"It was just as necessary then
as it is now that God's people should be
pure, 'unspotted from the world.' They
must keep themselves free from its spirit,
because it is opposed to truth and righ-
teousness. But God did not intend that
His people, in self-righteous exclusiveness,
should shut themselves away from the
world, so that they could have no influence
upon it.
"Like their Master, the followers of.
Christ in every age were to be the light of
the
world."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
369.
God's Covenant Proclaimed
4.
What did God establish between
Himself and the children of Israel?
Deut. 5:2-4.
NOTE.—"If the Abrahamic covenant con-
tained the promise of redemption, why
was another covenant formed at Sinai? In
their bondage the people had to a great
extent lost the knowledge of God and of
the principles of the Abrahamic covenant.
In delivering them from Egypt, God sought
to reveal to them His power and His
mercy, that they might be led to love and
trust Him. He brought them down to the
Red Sea—where, pursued by the Egyptians,
escape seemed impossible—that they might
realize their utter helplessness, their need
of divine aid; and then He wrought de-
liverance for them. Thus they were filled
with love and gratitude to God and with
confidence in His power to help them.
He had bound them to Himself as their
deliverer from temporal
bondage."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 371.
5.
Under the covenant arrange-
ment what did God call upon Israel
to do? Ex. 24:7; Deut. 4:13.
6.
How was the covenant broken
at Sinai? Ex. 32:7, 8.
NOTE.—"God
brought them to Sinai; He
manifested His glory; He gave them His
law, with the promise of great blessings
on
t
ut
condition of obedience: 'If ye will obey
My voice indeed, and keep My covenant,
then . . . ye shall be unto Me a kingdom
of priests, and an holy nation.' Exodus 19:
5, 6. The people did not realize the sinful-
ness of their own hearts, and that without
Christ it was impossible for them to keep
God's law; and they readily entered into
covenant with God. . . . They had wit-
nessed the proclamation of the law in awful
majesty, and had trembled with terror be-
fore the mount; and yet only a few weeks
passed before they broke their covenant
with God, and bowed down to worship a
graven
image."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 371, 372.
7.
What did God seek to teach the
Israelites through the tabernacle ser-
vices? Heb. 9:8-12.
NOTE.—"They could not hope for the
favor of God through a covenant which
they had broken; and now, seeing their
sinfulness and their need of pardon, they
were brought to feel their need of the
Saviour revealed in the Abrahamic cove-
nant and shadowed forth in the sacrificial
offerings. Now by faith and love they
were bound to God as their Deliverer from
the bondage of sin. Now they were prepared
to appreciate the blessings of the new
cov-
enant."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
•
372.
Love and Obedience Desired
8.
Regardless of their broken prom-
ises and their need of a Saviour, what
did the Lord still require of the Is-
raelites? Deut. 10:12, 13.
NOTE.—"The condition of eternal life
is now just what it always has been,—
just what it was in Paradise before the fall
of our first parents,—perfect obedience to
the law of God, perfect righteousness. If
eternal life were granted on any condition
short of this, then the happiness of the
whole universe would be imperiled. The
way would be open for sin, with all its
train of woe and misery, to be immortal-
ized."—Steps to Christ,
page 62.
9.
What provision has God made
to enable His children to render
acceptable obedience? Ezek. 36:26;
Heb. 8:10.
10.
What should motivate obedi-
ence to God's requirements? Deut.
6:5; Lev. 19:18.
NOTE.—"No value is attached to a mere,
profession of faith in Christ; only the love
which is shown by works is counted genu-
ine. Yet it is love alone which in the
sight of Heaven makes any act of value.
Whatever is done from love, however small
it may appear in the estimation of men, is
accepted and rewarded of God."—The
Great Controversy,
page 487.
Holiness Declared Essential
11.
How diligent were parents in
Israel to be in teaching God's require-
ments to their children? Deut. 6:4-9.
Compare 2 Tim. 3:15.
NOTE.—"Fathers and mothers should
look upon their children as younger mem-
bers of the Lord's family, committed to
them to educate for heaven. The lessons
that we ourselves learn from Christ we
should give to our children, as the young
minds can receive them, little by little
opening to them the beauty of the prin-
ciples of heaven. Thus the Christian home
becomes a school, where the parents serve
as underteachers, while Christ Himself is
the chief Instructor."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 515.
12.
What high ideal does God hold
up before His people? Deut. 26:16-
19. Compare Eph. 5:27.
NOTE.—"There are those who profess
holiness, who declare that they are wholly
the Lord's, who claim a right to the prom-
ises of God, while refusing to render obedi-
ence to His commandments. These trans-
gressors of the law claim everything that
is promised to the children of God; but
this is presumption on their part, for John
tells us that true love for God will be re-
r 12 ]
vealed in obedience to all His command-
ments. It is not enough
.
to believe the
theory of truth, to make a profession of
faith in Christ, to believe that Jesus is
no impostor, and that the religion of the
Bible is no cunningly devised fable. 'He
that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not
His commandments,' John wrote, 'is a
liar, and the truth is not in him. But
whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is
the love of God perfected: hereby know
we that we are in Him.' He that keepeth
His commandments dwelleth in Him, and
He in him.'
"-The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 562, 563.
13. What trait of character will be
identified with those who gain •en-
trance into the kingdom of God?
Isa. 1:19; 26:2. Compare Matt. 22:
36-40.
Lesson 4, for July 23, 1966
God's Glorious Plan for Israel
MEMORY VERSE:
"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in
my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath
covered me with the robe of righteousness." Isa. 61:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Vol. 4, pp. 26-30; "Christ's Object
Lessons," pages 284-290 (chapter, "The Lord's Vineyard"); "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To discover God's plan for Israel in the earth.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10, 11;
begin reading study helps.
❑
Thursday: Questions 12-14;
finish reading study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Prophecies of Prosperity
1.
God's people to be above all
nations. Deut. 26:18, 19; 28:13.
2.
Obedience the condition of pros-
perity. Deut. 28:1, 9; 11:13, 14.
3.
Material, political, spiritual bless-
ings assured. Deut. 28:2-14.
II. Israel as a Witness
4.
Israel called to witness before
the nations. Deut. 28:9, 10.
5.
Gentiles to see the righteousness of
Israel. Isa. 61 :9-11 ; 62 :2 .
6.
Israel to be a light to the Gentiles.
Isa. 60:1-3.
III. Privileges of Israel
7. Sickness and disease to be banished.
Ex. 15:26;
Deut.
7:13-15.
8. Israel to excel in agriculture and
technical skill. Ex. 35:30-35;
Deut. 7:13.
9. Privileges dependent on character.
Lev. 19:2; Deut. 28:1, 2, 13, 14.
•
IV. Successful Witnessing
10. Gentiles received blessings of
covenant. Joshua 2:8-14; 9:3,
8-10; Ruth 1:16.
11. Kings and princes acknowledge the
power of Israel's God. 1 Kings 4:
29-34; 2 Chron. 9:22, 23.
V. The Hope of Israel
12. God's law to be written in the
heart. Deut. 30:6.
13. The hope of Israel to be in God.
Ps. 78:7; Jer. 17:13; 1 Tim. 1:1.
14.
God asks His people to separate
from sin. 1 Peter 2:9, 10;
3:15,
16.
f181
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The children of Israel were to occupy all
the territory which God appointed them.
Those nations that rejected the worship
and
service of the true God were to be
dispossessed. But it was God's purpose
that by the revelation of His character
through Israel men should be drawn unto
Him. To all the world the gospel invita-
tion
was
to be given. Through the teach-
ing of the sacrificial service, Christ was
to be uplifted before the nations, and all
who would look unto Him should live.
All who, like Rahab the Canaanite and
Ruth the Moabitess, turned from idolatry
to the worship of the true God were to
unite themselves with His chosen people.
As the numbers of Israel increased, they
were to enlarge their borders until their
kingdom should embrace the world."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 19.
Prophecies of Prosperity
1.
What position did God intend
that Israel should occupy among the
nations of the earth? Deut. 26:18,
19; 28:13.
NoTE.—"Had the Israelites obeyed the
instruction they received, and profited by
their advantages, they would have been
the world's object lesson of health and
prosperity. If as a people they had lived
according to God's plan, they would have
been preserved from the diseases that af-
flicted other nations. Above any other
people they would have possessed physical
strength and vigor of intellect. They would
have been the mightiest nation on the
earth. God said: 'Thou shalt be blessed
above all people.'
"—The Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 283.
2.
Upon what important conditions
were the prophecies of Israel's pros-
perity based? Deut. 28:1, 9; 11:13, 14.
NOTE.—"God called Israel, and blessed
and exalted them, not that by obedience
to His law they alone might receive His
favor and become the exclusive recipients
of His blessings, but in order to reveal
Himself through them to all the inhabi-
tants of the earth. It
was
for the accom-
plishment of this
very
purpose that He
commanded them to keep themselves dis-
tinct from the idolatrous nations around
them."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
369.
3.
If Israel were obedient to God,
what abundant blessings would be
bestowed upon them? Deut. 28:2-14.
NoTE.—"It is through the gift of Christ
that we
receive every
blessing. Through
that gift there comes to us day by day
the unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness.
Every flower, with its delicate tints and
sweet
fragrance, is given for our enjoyment
through that one Gift. The sun and moon
were made by Him; there is not a
star
that
beautifies the heavens which He did not
make. There is not an article of food upon
our tables that He has not provided for
our sustenance. The superscription of Christ
is upon it all. Everything is supplied to
man through the one unspeakable Gift,
the only-begotten Son of God. He
was
nailed to the
cross
that all these bounties
might flow to God's workmanship."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, pp. 287, 288.
Israel as a Witness
4.
To what important role did God
call His people Israel? Deut. 28:9, 10.
NOTE.—"As they looked upon their pe-
culiarity of dress, they were to remember
that they were God's commandment-keep-
ing people, and that He had wrought in
a miraculous manner to bring them from
Egyptian bondage to.
serve
Him, to be a
holy people unto Him. They
were not to
serve
their own desires, or to imitate the
idolatrous nations around them, but to
remain a distinct, separate people, that all
who looked upon them might say: These
are they whom God brought out of the
land of Egypt, who keep the law of Ten
Commandments. An Israelite
was
known
to be such as soon as seen, for God through
simple means distinguished him as His."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 1, p. 524.
E 14 ]
5. What were the surrounding na- people? Lev. 19:2; Deut. 28:1, 2,
tions to see in Israel? Isa. 61:9-11;
13, 14.
62:2. Compare Deut. 4:6-8.
6.
What furthur picture of Israel's
witness to the nations is given by
Isaiah? Isa. 60:1-3.
Privileges of Israel
7.
In what unique way would God
bless His people for their obedience
to His principles? Ex. 15:26; Deut.
7:13-15.
NOTE.—"Their obedience to the law of
God would make them marvels of pros-
perity before the nations of the world. He
who could give them wisdom and skill in
all cunning work would continue to be
their Teacher, and would ennoble and
elevate them through obedience to His
laws. If obedient, they would be preserved
from the diseases that afflicted other nations,
and would be blessed with vigor of intel-
lect. The glory of God, His majesty and
power, were to be revealed in all their
prosperity. They were to be a kingdom of
priests and princes. God furnished them
with every facility for becoming the
greatest nation on the
earth."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 288.
8.
What God-given skills and bless-
ings would help to make them ma-
terially prosperous? Ex. 35:30-35;
Deut. 7:13.
NoTE.—"The Hebrew people were to
acquire wisdom and skill in all 'cunning
work,' that is, a high degree of inventive
genius and ability as artisans, for. the
manufacture of all kinds of utensils and
mechanical devices. Technical know-how
would render products 'made in Israel',
superior to all others."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 4, p. 28.
9.
What standard of character de-
velopment did God hold before His
Successful Witnessing
10.
After Israel's entry into the
Promised Land, what Gentiles shared
in the blessings of the covenant?
Joshua 2:8-14; 9:3, 8-10; Ruth 1:16.
NoTE.—"The marvelous providences con-
nected with Israel's deliverance from
Egyptian bondage and with their occu-
pancy of the Promised Land led many of
the heathen to recognize the God of
Israel as the Supreme Ruler. . . .
"In wicked Jericho the testimony of a
heathen woman was, 'The Lord your God,
He is God in heaven above, and in earth
beneath.' Joshua 2:11. The knowledge of
Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved
her salvation. By faith `Rahab perished
not with them that believed not.' Hebrews
11:31. And her conversion was not an
isolated case of God's mercy toward idol-
aters who acknowledged His divine author-
ity. In the midst of the land a numerous
people—the Gibeonites—renounced their
heathenism and united with Israel, sharing
in the blessings of the covenant."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 369.
11.
In the days of Solomon how
was the renown of Israel spread
abroad as a witness to the power of
God? 1 Kings 4:29-34; 2 Chron. 9:
22, 23.
NOTE.—"Many came to see the manner
of his [Solomon's] government and to re-
ceive instruction regarding the conduct of
difficult affairs.
"As these people visited Solomon, he
taught them of God as the Creator of all
things, and they returned to their homes
with clearer conceptions of the God of
Israel and of His love for the human race.
In the works of nature they now beheld
an expression of His love and a revelation
of His character; and many were led to
worship Him as their
God."—Prophets and
Kings,
page 47.
[ 15]
The Hope of Israel
12.
What part does God act in
enabling His people to fulfill His
requirements? Deut. 30:6. Compare
Jer. 31:33.
Nora.—"To have one's life inspired and
directed by the love of God is to inherit
eternal life. The possibilities of life for
every man are ultimately reduced to two.
One is to love God with all one's powers.
The end result is life in all its fullness,
ultimately merging into immortality. The
alternative is a disregard of God's good
pleasure, with one's life devoted to the
things of this earth. A life spent persis-
tently in such a way leads to eternal death.
These alternatives challenge every man and
woman born into the world."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Deut. 30:20.
13.
Where must
all place their
hope if they are to receive the prom-
ised salvation? Ps.
78:7; Jer. 17:13;
1 Tim. 1:1.
NOTE.—"The hope of Israel was em-
bodied in the promise made at the time of
the call of Abraham, and afterward re-
peated again and again to his posterity,
`In thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed.' Genesis 12:3. As the purpose of
God for the redemption of the race was
unfolded to Abraham, the Sun of Righ-
teousness shone upon his heart, and his
darkness was scattered. And when, at last,
the Saviour Himself walked and talked
among the sons of men, He bore witness
to the Jews of the patriarch's bright hope
of deliverance through the coming of a
Redeemer. 'Your father Abraham rejoiced
to see My day,' Christ declared; 'and he
saw it, and was
glad.' "—Prophets and
Kings,
page 683.
14.
What plan still holds for God's
people as they live for Christ today?
1 Peter
2:9, 10; 3:15, 16.
NOTE.—"Our life must be hid with Christ
in God. We must know Christ person-
ally. Then only can we rightly represent
Him to the world. Let the prayer con-
stantly ascend: 'Lord, teach me how to do
as Jesus would do were He in my place.'
Wherever we are we must let our light
shine forth to the glory of God in good
works. This is the great, important interest
of our
life."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 121.
Lesson 5, for July 30, 1966
Israel's Failure and God's Mercy
MEMORY VERSE:
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall
call on the
name of the Lord shall be delivered." Joel 2:32.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 452-463 (chapter 37); "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To seek to understand God's infinite mercy to wayward Israel.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
0
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin
reading study helps.
Check
Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday:
Finish study helps.
0
Friday: Review entire lesson.
16
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Cursings and Warnings
1.
Israel warned of the results of
disobedience. Deut. 28:15, 45, 46.
2.
Disease, dispersion, persecution, to
follow disobedience. Deut. 28:
58-67.
3.
Rebellion and hardheartedness
apparent in Israel. Deut. 31:27-29;
9:6-8.
II. Righteousness and Grace
4.
God's character revealed as merci-
ful and long-suffering. Ex. 34:6, 7.
5.
Israel's righteousness only filthy
rags. Isa. 64:6; Jer. 23:6.
6.
God desires obedience, contrition,
and faith. Deut. 5:29.
III. Disobedience and Idolatry
7. Obedience followed by idolatry.
Judges 2:7-14.
8. Despite Solomon's apostasy, God
fulfilled His oath to David.
1 Kings 11:6,,11-13; 2 Sam. 7:
15, 16.
9. Israel sent into captivity because
of apostasy. 2 Kings 18:11, 12;
2 Chron. 36:14-17.
IV. Pleadings and Promises
10. God promises restoration to the
penitent. Mal. 3:5-7, 16-18.
11. God still loves His wayward
children. Isa. 49:13-17.
12. The coming Messiah to bring
restoration. Mal. 4:2; Isa. 9:6, 7.
13. Deliverance will come to the
remnant. Joel 2:32.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The history of Israel is a sad one. It
presents a dismal picture of repeated fail-
ure. Rulers and people alike were ap-
parently unmindful of God's purposes for
them. But, on the other hand, there are
repeated evidences of God's willingness to
forgive and restore• Israel to her destined
position of power and glory. Even after
the captivity of Judah there were still
opportunities for Israel to return to the
Lord; then He would fulfill in them the
high honor and hope to which they were
rightly heirs.
Cursings and Warnings
1. What dire warning revealed to
the children of Israel the results of
disobedience to God's will? Deut.
28:15, 45, 46.
NOTE.
-"There
is no safety except in
strict obedience to the Word of God. All
His promises are made upon, condition of
faith and obedience, and a failure to com-
ply with His commands cuts off the ful-
fillment to us of the rich provisions of the
Scriptures. We should not follow impulse,
nor rely on the judgment of men; we
should look to the revealed will of God and
walk according to His definite command-
ment, no matter what circumstances may
surround us. God will take care of the
results; by faithfulness to His Word we
may in time of trial prove before men and
angels that the Lord can trust us in diffi-
cult places to carry out His will, honor
His name, and bless His
people."-Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 621, 622.
2.
How would God punish the
children of Israel for their rejection
of His divine will? Deut. 28:58-67.
3.
As early as the wilderness wan-
derings, what unfortunate condition
of heart was apparent among the
Israelites? Deut. 31:27-29; 9:6-8.
Righteousness and Grace
4.
What attributes of God's charac-
ter were revealed to Moses in the
mount? Ex. 34:6, 7.
5.
Why was it useless for Israel to
rely on their own righteousness for
favor with God? Isa. 64:6; Jer. 23:6.
Compare Zech. 3:3-5.
[ 17 ]
NorE.—"The high priest cannot defend
himself or his people from Satan's ac-
cusations. He does not claim that Israel
are free from fault. In his filthy garments,
symbolizing the sins of the people, which
he bears as their representative, he stands
before the Angel, confessing their guilt,
yet pointing to their repentance and hu-
miliation, relying upon the mercy of a
sin-pardoning Redeemer and in faith
claiming the promises of
God."—Testimo-
nies, Vol.
5, pp. 468, 469.
"His own sins and those of his people
were pardoned. Israel were clothed with
`change of raiment,'—the righteousness of
Christ imputed to them. The miter placed
upon Joshua's head was such as was worn
by the priests and bore the inscription,
`Holiness to the Lord,' signifying that,
notwithstanding his former transgressions,
he was now qualified to minister before
God in His sanctuary."—Ibid., p. 469.
6.
What heart experience did the
Lord desire among His people? Deut.
5:29. Compare 1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 51:
17, 19; Heb. 11:39.
NOTE.—"Many have murmured at what
they called God's injustice in sparing
David, whose guilt was so great, after
having rejected Saul for what appeared to
them to be far less flagrant sins. But
David humbled himself and confessed his
sin, while Saul despised reproof and hard-
ened his heart in impenitence."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 726.
Disobedience and Idolatry
7.
After the death of Joshua, how
long was Israel faithful to the Lord?
Judges 2:7-14.
NoTE.—"God had placed His people in
Canaan as a mighty breastwork to stay the
tide of moral evil, that it might not flood
the world. If faithful to Him, God in-
tended that Israel should go on conquering
and to conquer. He would give into their
hands nations greater and more powerful
than the Canaanites. . . .
"But regardless of their high destiny,
they chose the course of ease and self-
indulgence; they let slip their opportunities
for completing the conquest of the land;
and for many generations they were af-
flicted by the remnant of these idolatrous
peoples, that were, as the prophet had fore-
told, as 'pricks' in their eyes, and as
`thorns' in their sides. Numbers 33:55."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 544.
"Yet He did not utterly forsake His
people. There was ever a remnant who
were true to Jehovah; and from time to
time the Lord raised up faithful and val-
iant men to put down idolatry and to
deliver the Israelites from their enemies.
But when the deliverer was dead and the
people were released from his authority,
they would gradually return to their idols.
And thus the story of blacksliding and
chastisement, of confession and deliverance,
was repeated again and again."—Ibid., p.
545.
8.
In view of Solomon's apostasy,
why did the Lord preserve the line of
David? 1 Kings 11:6, 11-13; 2 Sam.
7:15, 16.
NorE.—"Placed at the head of a nation
that had been set as a beacon light to
the surrounding nations, Solomon should
have used his God-given wisdom and
power of influence in organizing and di-
recting a great movement for the enlight-
enment of those who were ignorant of
God and His truth. Thus multitudes would
have been won to allegiance to the divine
precepts, Israel would have been shielded
from the evils practiced by the heathen,
and the Lord of glory would have been
greatly honored. But Solomon lost sight
of this high purpose. He failed of im-
proving his splendid opportunities for en-
lightening those who were continually
passing through his territory or tarrying
at the principal cities.
"The missionary spirit that God had
implanted in the heart of Solomon and
in the hearts of all true Israelites was
supplanted by a spirit of commercialism."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 71. •
9.
For what reasons were Israel
and Judah, ultimately sent into cap-
tivity? 2 Kings 18:11, 12; 2 Chron.
36:14-17.
NOTE.—"The sorrow of the prophet over
the utter perversity of those who should
[ 18 ]
have been the spiritual light of the world,
his sorrow over the fate of Zion and of
the people carried captive to Babylon, is
revealed in the lamentans he has left
on record as a memorial of the folly of
turning from the counsels of Jehovah to
human wisdom. Amid the ruin wrought,
Jeremiah could still declare, 'It is of the
Lord's mercies that we are not consumed;'
and his constant prayer was, 'Let us
search and try our ways, and turn again to
the Lord.' Lamentations 3:22, 40. . . .
The prophet's absolute faith in God's
eternal purpose to bring order out of confu-
sion, and to demonstrate to the nations of
earth and to the entire universe His at-
tributes of justice and love, now led him
to plead confidently in behalf of those who
might turn from evil to righteousness."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 461.
Pleadings and Promises
10. In what words does the final
prophetic witness of the Old Testa-
ment describe God's willingness to
accept those who fear Him in the
midst of apostasy? Mal. 3:5-7, 16-18.
NoTE.—"By the Babylonish captivity the
Israelites were effectually cured of the
worship of graven images. After their re-
turn, they gave much attention to religious
instruction and to the study of that which
had been written in the book of the law
and in the prophets concerning the wor-
ship of the true God. The restoration of
the temple enabled them to carry out
fully the ritual services of the sanctuary.
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, of
Ezra, and of Nehemiah they repeatedly
covenanted to keep all the commandments
and ordinances of Jehovah. The seasons
of prosperity that followed gave ample
evidence of God's willingness to accept
and forgive, and yet with fatal short-
sightedness they turned again and again
from their glorious destiny and selfishly
appropriated to themselves that which
would have brought healing and spiritual
life to countless multitudes."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 705.
11.
Through what precious prom-
ises were the children of Israel as-
sured of God's abiding love and
mercy? Isa. 49:13-17.
12.
What glorious hope sustained
God's faithful children through the
ages? Mal. 4:2; Isa. 9:6, 7.
NoTE.—"Through the long centuries of
`trouble and darkness' and 'dimness of
anguish' (Isaiah 8:22) marking the history
of mankind from the day our first parents
lost their Eden home, to the time the Son
of God appeared as the Saviour of sin-
ners, the hope of the fallen race was
centered in the coming of a Deliverer to .
free men and women from the bondage of
sin and the
grave."—Prophets and Kings,
page 681.
13.
What additional promise did
God make to those who were faith-
ful to Him? Joel 2:32.
NorE.—"Never has the Lord been with-
out true representatives on this earth who
have made His interests their own. These
witnesses for God are numbered among the
spiritual Israel, and to them will be ful-
filled all the covenant promises made by
Jehovah to His ancient people."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 714.
Lesson 6, for August 6, 1966
•
Prophecies of Disaster and Hope
MEMORY VERSE:
"Incline your ear, and come unto
Me:
hear, and your soul shall
live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure
mercies of David." Isa. 55:3.
[ 19 ]
STUDY HELPS: "Prophets and Kings," pages 292-300, 440-451 (chapters 24, 36);
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM: To see how God balanced His prophecies of disaster with promises
of hope.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9; read
further from study helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
❑
,
Thursday: Finish study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Hope for Israel
1.
Punishment threatened for back-
sliding. Hosea 1:4-6, 9.
2.
God's purposes will be fulfilled.
Hbsea 1:10, 11; 2:1.
3.
Even Gentiles to become God's
people through His mercy.
Rom. 9:22-26.
II. The Throne of David
4.
Doom of Judah and its king
foretold. Ezek. 21:25-27; Jer.
36:30, 31.
5.
Christ to succeed to the throne of
David. Isa. 9:6, 7; Jer. 23:5.
6.
Christ described as the Lion of
Judah, the Root of David.
Rev. 5:5; 22:16.
III. The Vessel of Clay
7.
Judah's punishment symbolized by
breaking of a clay vessel. Jer.-19:1,
10,
11.
8.
A new covenant established through
Christ. Jer. 31:31-34.
9.
Reunion of Judah and Israel
promised to repentant Israel.
Ezek. 37:16-24.
IV. The Coming of a Deliverer
10.
Restoration to leadership among
nations promised through Christ.
Isa. 42:1-7; 49:6, 7.
11.
The Messiah came to die for trans-
gressors. Isa. 53:5; Luke 19:10;
1 Tim. 2:6.
12.
Through Christ we may enter into
God's purposes. John 3:16;
Eph. 2:11-14; Matt. 8:11.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The prophets of the Lord who foretold
the results of Israel's disobedience did not
paint a picture of absolute disaster and
gloom. Always there was hope • if the
people would repent and follow God's
plan. And the basis'of that hope was the
assurance of a coming Messiah who would
fulfill all God's purposes.
Though Israel apostatized and failed
God, misunderstood His purposes, thwarted
His hopes, and distorted. His plans, God
will carry forward His plan to its comple-
tion through the work of the church.
Hope for Israel
1. How do the names given to the
children of the prophet Hosea re-
flect Israel's apostasy? Hosea 1:4-6, 9.
NOTE.—Jezreel: God will scatter
Lb-ruhamah: not having ob-
tained mercy
Lo-ammi: not my people
"The names of the prophet's three chil-
dren are significant, pointing as they do
to God's punishment of His people for
[
20]
their sins."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
Hosea 1:4.
"Ye
are not my people.
In this strong
fashion God indicates His rejection of
Israel as a nation because of their sins,
the severance of His covenant relation
with them."—Ibid., on Hosea 1:9.
2.
With what contrasting state-
ment does the prophet indicate that
there will still be a fulfillment of
God's purposes? Hosea 1:10, 11; 2:1,
margin. Compare Gen. 22:17; 32:12.
NoTE.—"Mingled with the prophecy of
the breakup of the kingdom of Israel (v.4)
is the promise of restoration. .
. The
promised restoration would not be to the
ten tribes as such, but to Israel and Judah
together."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
Hosea 1:10.
"Judah and Israel are spoken of together
to indicate that God's plan for His chosen
people was that they should be united in
one nation. Later prophets emphasized
this same truth (see Jer. 3:18; 50:4, 5, 33;
Ezek. 37:16-22; etc.). Representatives
from the tribes of Israel .were among the
exiles who returned after the captivity of
Judah."—Ibid., on Hosea 1:11.
3.
To whom did the apostle Paul
apply these prophecies of Hosea?
Rom. 9:22-26. Compare Hosea 2:23;
1 Peter 2:10.
NOTE.—"Notwithstanding Israel's failure
as a nation, there remained among them
a goodly remnant of such as •should be
saved. At the time of the Saviour's advent
there were faithful men and women who
had received with gladness the message of
John the Baptist, and had thus been led to
study anew the prophecies concerning the
Messiah. When the early Christian church
was founded, it was composed of these
faithful Jews who recognized Jesus of
Nazareth as the one for whose advent they
had been longing."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 376, 377.
The Throne of David
4.
What prophecies foretold the
doom of Judah and its king? Ezek.
21:25-27; Jer. 36:30, 31.
NOTE.—"To the 'profane wicked prince'
had come the day of final reckoning. 'Re-
move the diadem,' the Lord decreed, 'and
take off the croWh.' Not until Christ Him-
self should set up His kingdom was Judah
again to be permitted to have a king."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 451.
"The crown removed from Israel passed
successively to the kingdoms of Babylon,
Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God
says, 'It shall be no more, until He come
whose right it is; and I will give it Him.'"
—Education,
page 179.
•
5. To whom was the throne of
David ultimately to come by divine
decree and right of succession-? Isa.
9:6, 7; Jer. 23:5. Compare Acts 13:
33-35.
NoTE.—"The 'sure mercies' that God
had promised to David included the prom-
ise of an eternal kingdom (2 Sam. 7:16),
which was realized through Christ, the
Son of David. This broad understanding
of 'the sure mercies of David' is indicated
by the promise, 'I will make an everlasting
covenant with you, even the sure mercies
of David' (Isa. 55:3). The victory of
Christ, made certain by the resurrection,
was a fulfillment of this covenant and a
crucial point in the establishment of the
kingdom promised to David."—S
.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Acts 13:34.
6. How is Christ. revealed in the
great prophecies of the book of Reve-
lation? Rev. 5:5; 22:16.
Nora.—"This title is drawn from Isa.
11:1, 10, which speaks, literally, of the
`shoot out of the stock . . . of Jesse' and
the 'root of Jesse,' David's father. In Rom.
15:12 Paul applies the latter figure to
Christ, implying, that Christ is a second
David. David was Israel's greatest king
and military hero. The Davidic concept of
the Messiah was essentially that of a
conqueror who would restore the kingdom
to Israel. . . . Although Christ did not
restore a literal kingdom to the Jews, His
victory in the great controversy with Satan
does restore the kingdom in an infinitely
greater and more important sense."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Rev.
5:5.
213
The Vessel of Clay
7.
What illustration did Jeremiah
use to show that God's decision to
punish Judah for their sins would
,
be
carried out? Jer. 19:1, 10, 11.
8.
By what means will the prom-
ises to Israel be ultimately fulfilled?
Jer. 31:31-34. Compare Heb. 8:6-12.
NoTE.—"Humbled in the sight of the
nations, those who once had been recog-
nized as favored of Heaven above all other
peoples of the earth were to learn in exile
the lesson of obedience so necessary for
their future happiness. Until they had
learned this lesson, God could not do for
them all that He desired to do. . . . Yet
those who had been the object of His tender
love were not forever set aside; before all
the nations of earth He would demonstrate
His plan to bring victory out of apparent
defeat, to save rather than to destroy."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 475.
9.
What prophecy foretold a glo-
rious future to the Israelites, and on
what condition? Ezek. 37:16-24.
NOTE.—"The restoration of Israel from
captivity among the heathen was the first
step in the fulfillment of the divine prom-
ises. This remnant was to consist of those
who had profited from the discipline of
the Exile and had become spiritually pure.
Since the prerequisite revival was never
attained, either before or after the return
under Zerubbabel, the fulfillment of these
promises was prevented. God did for
Israel all that their obdurate disobedience
would allow Him to do, but they remained
rebellious. Therefore, eventually, He had
to reject them utterly. The unfolding of
the divine promise here and in the follow-
ing verses applies to the picture as it would
have been if God's purposes had been
carried out."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Ezek. 37:21.
The Coming of a Deliverer
10.
What precious hope of future
glory was to be fulfilled in the corn-
22
ing of the promised Messiah? Isa.
42:1-7; 49:6, 7. Compare Acts 13:47.
NOTE.—"The many prophecies concern-
ing the Saviour's advent led the Hebrews
to live in an attitude of constant expec-
tancy. Many died in the faith, not having
received the promises. But having seen
them afar off, they believed and confessed
that they were strangers and pilgrims on
the earth. From the days of Enoch the
promises repeated through patriarchs and
prophets had kept alive the hope of His
appearing."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages
699, 700.
11.
For what purpose did the Mes-
siah come to this earth? Isa. 53:5;
Luke 19:10; 1 Tim. 2:6.
NoTE.—"Upon Christ as our substitute
and surety was laid the iniquity of us all.
He was counted a transgressor, that He
might redeem us from the condemnation
of the law. The guilt of every descendant
of Adam was pressing upon His heart.
The wrath of God against sin, the terrible
manifestation of His displeasure because of
iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with
consternation. All His life Christ had been
publishing to a fallen world the good news
of the Father's mercy and pardoning love."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 753.
12.
How may all people come
within the scope of God's plans?
John 3:16; Eph. 2:11-14; Matt. 8:11.
Nom—"The gathering in of the Gentiles
was to follow His approaching death. Only
by His death could the world be saved.
Like a grain of wheat, the Son of man
must be cast into the ground and die, and
be buried out of sight; but He was to
live again."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
622, 623.
"Only by yielding up His life could He
impart life to humanity. Only by falling
into the ground to die could He become
the seed of that vast harvest,—the great
multitude that out of every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people, are re-
deemed to
God."—Ibid.,
p. 623.
The Vineyard of the Lord
1.
Under what familiar figure does
the prophet describe the nation of
Israel? Isa. 5:1, 7.
.NOTE.—"To this people were committed
the oracles of God. They were hedged
about by the precepts of His law, the
everlasting principles of truth, justice, and
purity. Obedience to these principles was
to be their protection, for it would save
them from destroying themselves by sinful
practices. And as the tower in the vine-
yard, God placed in the midst of the land
His holy
temple."—Prophets and Kings,
page 18.
2.
How does the prophet describe
the tender care the Lord lavished on
His vineyard? What were the results?
Isa. 5:2-4.
NoTE.—"With a father's heart, God
bore with His people. He pleaded with
them by mercies given and mercies with-
drawn. Patiently He set their sins before
them and in forebearance waited for their
acknowledgment. Prophets and messen-
gers were sent to urge His claim upon the
husbandmen; but, instead of being wel-
comed, these men of discernment and
spiritual power were treated as enemies."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 21.
3.
For what reason did the Lord
determine to destroy the vineyard on
which He had spent so much time
and effort? Isa. 5:5-7, 24, 25.
NOTE.—"The withdrawal of divine favor
during the period of the Exile led many to
repentance, yet after their return to the
Land of Promise the Jewish people re-
peated the mistakes of former generations
and brought themselves into political conflict
with surrounding nations. The prophets
whom God sent to correct the prevailing
evils were received with the same suspicion
and scorn that had been accorded the
messengers of earlier times; and thus, from
century to century, the keepers of the
vineyard added to their
guilt."—Prophets
and Kings,
page 21.
4.
How does the psalmist describe
the condition of the vine of the Lord?
Ps. 80:8, 9, 14-16.
NoTE.—"The Jews had always regarded
the vine as the most noble of plants, and
a type of all that was powerful, excellent,
and fruitful. Israel had been represented
as a vine which God had planted in the
Promised Land. The Jews based their
hope of salvation on the fact of their
connection with Israel. But Jesus says,
I am the real Vine. Think not that through
a connection with Israel you may become
partakers of the life of God, and in-
heritors of His promise. Through Me
alone is spiritual life received."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 675.
5.
According to the prophet, what
change took place in the character
of the vine? Jer. 2:21, 22.
6.
Despite the degeneracy of the
vine, what did the prophet Isaiah see
concerning the future of Israel? Isa.
27:2, 3, 6.
NOTE.—"Let Israel hope in God. The
Master of the vineyard is even now gath-
ering from among men of all nations and
peoples the precious fruits for which He
has long been waiting. Soon He will
come unto His own; and in that glad
day His eternal purpose for the house of
Israel will finally be fulfilled. 'He shall
cause them that come of Jacob to take
root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and
fill the face of the world with fruit.'
"—
Prophets and Kings,
page 22.
Unfaithful Husbandmen
7.
How does Christ describe the
failure of Israel to bear fruit? Matt.
21:33-36.
NOTE.—"The guilt of these leaders in
Israel was not like the guilt of the ordinary
sinner. These men stood under the most
solemn obligation to God. They had
[ 24 ]
pledged themselves to teach a 'Thus saith
the Lord' and to bring strict obedience
into their practical life. Instead of doing
this they were perverting the Scriptures.
They laid heavy burdens upon men, en-
forcing ceremonies that reached to every
step in
life."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 292.
8.
With what words did Christ
condemn the leaders of the Jewish
nation for their rejection of Him?
Luke 20:13-16, 19.
NOTE.—"The Jewish rulers did not love
God; therefore they cut themselves away
from Him, and rejected all His overtures
for a just settlement. Christ, the Beloved
of God, came to assert the claims of the
Owner of the vineyard; but the husband-
men treated Him with marked contempt,
saying, We will not have this man to rule
over us. They envied Christ's 'beauty of
character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page
293.
"The Jewish people cherished the idea
that they were the favorites of heaven,
and that they were always to be exalted
as the church of God. They were the
children of Abraham, they declared, and
so firm did the foundation of their pros-
perity seem to them that they defied
earth and heaven to dispossess them of
their rights. But by lives of unfaithful-
ness they were preparing for the con-
demnation of heaven and for separation
from
God."—Ibid.,
p. 294.
The Two Sons
9.
In the parable of the two sons,
what contrasting attitudes did the
Lord reveal? Matt. 21:28-30.
NorE.—"SO the Pharisees prided them-
selves on their holiness, but when tested,
it was found wanting. When it was for
their interest to do so, they made the
requirements of the law very exacting; but
when obedience was required from them-
selves, by cunning sophistries they reasoned
away the force of God's precepts. Of them
Christ declared, 'Do not ye after their
works; for they say, and do not.' Matt.
23:3. They had no true love for God
or man. God called them to be co-workers
with Him in blessing the world; but while
in profession they accepted the call, in
action they refused obedience. They trusted
to self, and prided themselves on their
goodness; but they set the commands of
God at defiance. They refused to do the
work which God had appointed them, and
because of their transgression the Lord
was about to divorce Himself from the
disobedient
nation."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
pages 278, 279.
10.
Who will enter the kingdom
of God before the self-righteous?
Why? Matt. 21:31, 32.
NorE.—"We can never be saved in in-
dolence and inactivity. There is no such
thing as a truly converted persbn living a
helpless, useless life. It is not possible for
us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can
enter there. If we do not strive to gain
an entrance into the kingdom, if we do
not seek earnestly to learn what constitutes
its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it.
Those who refuse to cooperate with God
on earth would not cooperate with Him in
heaven. It would not be safe to take them
to
heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page
280.
The, True Vine
11.
Who is the True Vine? What
relationship do His followers bear
to Him? John 15:1, 2.
NOTE.—"He who is united to Christ,
partaking of the sap and nourishment of
the Vine, will work the works of Christ.
The love of Christ must be in him or he
cannot be in the Vine. Supreme love to
God, and love to your neighbor equal to
that which you bear to yourself, is the
basis of true
religion."—Testimonies,
Vol.
4, p. 353.
12.
How does the relationship of
the branch to the vine illustrate the
relationship of the Christian to
Christ? John 15:4, 5, 8; 1 John 2:
27, 28.
25 1
NOTE.—"The apparently dry branch, by
being connected with the living vine, be-
comes a part of it. Fiber by fiber, and
vein by vein, it adheres to the vine till it
derives its life and nourishment from the
parent stock. The graft buds, blossoms,
and produces fruit. The soul, dead in
trespasses and sins, must experience a
similar process in order to be reconciled
to God and to become a partaker of
Christ's life and joy. As the graft receives
life when united to the vine, so the sinner
partakes of the divine nature when con-
nected with Christ. Finite man is united
with the infinite God. When thus united,
the words of Christ
abide
in us, and we
are not actuated by a spasmodic feeling,
but by a living, abiding principle. The
words of Christ must be meditated upon
and cherished and enshrined in the heart.
They should not be repeated, parrot-like,
finding no place in the memory and having
no influence over the heart and life."—
Testimonies,
Vol. 4, pp. 354, 355.
13. What precious fruit will be
born in the life of one who abides
in Christ? Gal. 5:22-24; Eph. 5:9.
Lesson 8, for August 20, 1966
Christ Rejected by His Chosen People
MEMORY VERSE: "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if My icing-
dom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be
delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence." John 18:36.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 395-398; 580-588 (chapters 42, 64);
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM: To discover how and when Israel as a nation lost its last opportunity
to fulfill God's purposes.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13;
begin reading study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire • lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Chosen People Rebuked
1.
Christ announced the kingdom
of heaven. Matt. 6:33; 10:5-7.
2.
The fate awaiting the cities of
Judah compared to that of Sodom
and Gomorrah. Matt. 11:20-25.
3.
Professed people of God described
as adulterous, unbelieving, in-
sincere. Matt. 16:3, 4; 13:58;
Mark 7:6-8.
II. The Jewish Nation Fails God
4. Pharisees and scribes give
priority to tradition over God's
commands. Mark. 7:13. •
5.
The common people were neglected,
but Christ sought to help them.
Mark 6:34; Matt. 14:14.
6.
Spiritual leaders condemned as
hypocrites. Matt. 23:23-28.
7.
Jews had killed the prophets, and
refused instruction. Matt. 23:31,
34-36.
III. Literal Israel Rejects Christ
8.
Christ came to His own, but they
received Him not. John 1:11, 12.
9.
Tearfully, Christ announces ter-
mination of Israel's special relation-
ship with God. Matt. 23:37-39;
Luke 19:41-44.
[ 26 j
10.
Mob demands Christ's sacrifice
and claims no king but Caesar.
John 19:13-15; Matt. 27:25.
11.
The kingdom of God taken
from Abraham's literal descendants
and given to others. Matt 21:
42-45.
IV. The Kingdom of Heciven
12.
Christ's kingdom not of this
world. John 18:36; 6:15.
13.
Character of the citizens in
Christ's kingdom. Matt. 5:3, 10;
18:2, 3.
THE LESSON
Introduction
With the coming of Christ came also the
last hope for Israel as a nation. Had they
listened and obeyed there was still oppor-
tunity for them to fulfill God's purpose
for them. Instead they turned away from
the Son of God who was sent to lead
them back to the divine plan. "They
eagerly sought the power of His kingdom,
but were unwilling to be guided by its
principles. They grasped at the material
blessing so generously offered them, but
refused • the spiritual graces that would
have transformed their lives and fitted them
to be His representatives. They brought
forth 'wild grapes' rather than the mature
fruit of a Godlike character (Isa. 5:1-7;
cf. Gal. 5:19-23), and because of this fail-
ure to bear the fruit expected of them,
forfeited their role in the divine plan."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 4, p. 33.
Tradition, the blindness of their .leaders,
their perversion of God's truth, and their
unwillingness to accept the role of Christ
as the Saviour of men were all factors in
the rejection of the Messiah by Israel.
God therefore purposed to fulfill His plans
for mankind through spiritual Israel, His
church.
The Chosen People Rebuked
1.
To what spiritual kingdom were
the Jews of Christ's day pointed by
Jesus? Matt. 6:33; 10:5-7.
2.
By what comparison did Jesus
warn of the seriousness of rejecting
Him? Matt. 11:20-25.
NoTE.—"Christ would have averted the
doom of the Jewish nation if the people
had received Him. But envy and jealousy
made them implacable. They determined
that they would not receive Jesus of
Nazareth as the Messiah. They rejected
the Light of the world, and thenceforth
their lives were surrounded with darkness
as the darkness of midnight. The doom
foretold came upon the Jewish nation.
Their own fierce passions, uncontrolled,
wrought their ruin. In their blind rage
they destroyed one another."—Christ's
Ob-
ject Lessons,
page 295.
3. What was the spiritual condition
of the chosen people at the time of
the first advent? Matt. 16:3, 4; 13:58;
Mark 7:6-8.
NoTE.—"Those who desired a sign from
Jesus had so hardened their hearts in un-
belief that they did not discern in His
character the likeness of God. They would
•
not see that His mission was in fulfillment
of the Scriptures. In the parable of the
rich man and Lazarus, Jesus said to the
Pharisees, `If they hear not Moses and
the prophets, neither will they be per-
suaded, though one rose from the dead.'
Luke 16:31. No sign that could be given
in heaven or earth would benefit them."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 407.
The Jewish Nation Fails God
4. What had become more impor-
tant to the people of Christ's day than
the truth of God? Mark 7:13. Com-
pare Gal. 1:14.
NOTE.—"The substitution of the precepts
of men for the commandments of God
has not ceased. Even among Christians
are found institutions and usages that have
no better foundation than the traditions of
the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon
mere human authority, have supplanted
[27]
those of divine appointment. Men cling
to their traditions, and revere their customs,
and cherish hatred against those who seek
to show them their error. In this day, when
we are bidden to call attention to the com-
mandments of God and the faith of Jesus,
we see the same enmity as was manifested
in the, days of Christ."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 398.
5.
Why was Christ moved with
compassion as He viewed the multi-
tudes? How did He seek to help
them? Mark 6:34; Matt. 14:14.
NoTE.—"In the parables which Christ
had spoken, it was His purpose both to
warn the rulers and to instruct the people
who were willing to be taught. But there
was need to speak yet more plainly.
Through their reverence for tradition and
their blind faith in a corrupt priesthood,
the people were enslaved. These chains
Christ must break."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 611, 612.
6.
What scathing words of con-
demnation revealed the spiritual con-
dition of religious leaders of Israel?
Matt. 23:23-28.
NoTE.—"All that God commands is of
consequence. Christ recognized the pay-
ment of tithes as a duty; but He showed
that this could not excuse the neglect of
other duties. The Pharisees were very
exact in tithing garden herbs, such as
mint, anise, and rue; this cost them little,
and it gave them a reputation for exact-
ness and sanctity. At the same time their
useless restrictions oppressed the people
and destroyed respect for the sacred system
of God's own appointing. They occupied
men's minds with trifling distinctions, and
turned their attention from essential
truths. The weightier matters of the law,
justice, mercy, and truth, were neglected.
`These,' Christ said, 'ought ye to have
done, and not to leave the other undone.'"
—The Desire of Ages,
page 617.
7.
What attitude had the Jews
taken toward the various endeavors
God had made to warn them of their
condition? Matt. 23:31, 34-36. Com-
pare Luke 16:31.
NOTE.—"The Pharisees built the tombs
of the prophets, and adorned their sep-
ulchers, and said one to another, If we
had lived in the days of our fathers, we
would not have united with them in shed-
ding the blood of God's servants. At the
same time they were planning to take the
life of His Son. This should be a lesson
to us. It should open our eyes to the
power of Satan to deceive the mind that
turns from the light of truth. Many fol-
low in the track of the Pharisees. They
revere those who have died for their faith.
They wonder at the blindness of the Jews
in rejecting Christ. Had we lived in His
day, they declare, we would gladly have
received His teaching; we would never have
been partakers in the guilt of those who
rejected the Saviour. But when obedience
to God requires self-denial and humiliation,
these very persons stifle their convictions,
and refuse obedience. Thus they manifest
the same spirit as did the Pharisees whom
Christ condemned."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 618.
Literal Israel Rejects Christ
8.
When Jesus came to this world,
what was the attitude of His people
toward Him? John 1:11, 12.
NoTE.—"Christ 'came unto His own, and
His own received Him not.' John 1:11. The
light of God shone into the darkness of the
world, and 'the darkness comprehended it
not.' John 1:5. But not all were found
indifferent to the gift of heaven. The
merchantman in the parable represents a
class who were sincerely desiring truth.
In different nations there were earnest and
thoughtful men who had sought in liter-
ature and science and the religions of the
heathen world for that which they could
receive as the soul's treasure. Among the
Jews there were those who were seeking
for that which they had not. Dissatisfied
with a formal religion, they longed for that
which was spiritual and uplifting. Christ's
chosen disciples belonged to the latter class,
Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch to the
former. They had been longing and pray-
ing for light from heaven; and when Christ
was revealed to them, they received Him
with.
gladness."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 116.
I 28 ]
9.
What solemn announcement did
Christ make as He contemplated the
city of Jerusalem and its temple?
Matt. 23:37-39; Luke 19:41-44.
NOTE.—"In every age there is given to
men their day of light and privilege, a pro-
bationary time in which they may become
reconciled to God. But there is a limit to
this grace. Mercy may plead for years and
be slighted and rejected; but there comes
a time when mercy makes her last plea.
The heart becomes so hardened that it
ceases to respond to the Spirit of God.
Then the sweet, winning voice entreats the
sinner no longer, and reproofs and warn-
ings cease.
"That day had come to Jerusalem. Jesus
wept in anguish over the doomed city, but
He could not deliver her. He had ex-
hausted every resource. In rejecting the
warnings of God's Spirit, Israel had re-
jected the only means of help. There was
no other power by which they could be
delivered."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 587.
10.
With what words did the chil-
dren of Israel declare their allegiance
as they rejected Christ? John 19:13-
15; Matt. 27:25.
NOTE.—"Thus by choosing a heathen
ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn
from the theocracy. They had rejected
God as their king. Henceforth they had
no deliverer. They had no king but Cae-
sar. To this the priests and teachers had
led the people. For this, with the fearful
results that followed, they were responsible.
A nation's sin and a nation's ruin were due
to the religious leaders."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 737, 738.
11.
In rejecting Christ what had
the literal descendants of Abraham
also lost? Matt. 21:42-45.
NOTE.—"In this generation there are
many who are treading on the same ground
as were the unbelieving Jews. They have
witnessed the manifestation of the power
of God; the Holy Spirit has spoken to
their hearts; but they cling to their un-
belief and resistance. God sends them warn-
ings and reproof, but they are not willing
to confess their errors, and they reject His
message and His messenger. The very
means He uses for their recovery becomes
to them a stone of stumbling."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 587.
The Kingdom of
Heaven
12.
What did Christ declare con-
cerning the nature of His kingdom?
What was His response to those that
would make Him king? John 18:
36; 6:15.
13.
How did Jesus characterize
those who will be citizens of the
heavenly kingdom? Matt. 5:3, 10;
18:2, 3.
NOTE.—"Again Jesus explained to the
disciples that His kingdom is not char-
acterized by earthly dignity and display.
At the feet of Jesus all these distinctions
are forgotten. The rich and the poor, the
learned and the ignorant, meet together,
with no thought of caste or worldly pre-
eminence. All meet as blood-bought souls,
alike dependent upon One who has re-
deemed them to
God."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 437.
Lesson 9, for August 27, 1966
Spiritual Israel Replaces Literal Israel
MEMORY VERSE:
"There
is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision
-
nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all." Col. 3:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 9-16, 372-382 (chapters 1, 35);
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
[291
STUDY AIM:
To investigate the present-day application of God's promises made
to ancient Israel.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
Sunday: Questions 1-3..
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish study helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Check Here
0
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Christ and the Gentiles
1.
Gospel to be carried to all nations.
Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:6-8.
2.
Paul appointed apostle to Gentiles.
Acts 9:15; 13:46, 47; 18:6.
3.
All nations are one in Christ.
Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:28, 29.
II. Christ and Literal Israel
4.
Children of promise counted as
Abraham's seed. Rom. 9:6-8;
Gal. 4:7.
5.
Israel replaced by the Christian
church. Rom. 9:30-32.
6.
A remnant of Israel saved through
the election of grace. Rom. 11:1-6.
III. The Olive Tree
7.
Wild branches take the place of
natural branches. Rom. 11:17-21.
8.
Natural branches may be grafted
back. Rom. 11:22-24.
9.
Thus "all Israel" shall be saved.
Rom. 11:25, 26; 9:27.
10.
God offers salvation to all who
believe. Rom. 3:22; 10:11-13.
IV. One in Christ
11.
Power of God unto salvation ex-
tends to all men. Rom. 1:16.
12.
Christ was crucified to reconcile
all men to God. Eph. 2:16-18;
Acts 4:12.
13.
Faith works by love to produce a
new creation. Gal. 5:6; 6:15, 16;
1 Cor. 7:19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Though the nation of Israel rejected
God's final offer of salvation, God never
rejected the Jewish people as individuals.
To them was given the privilege of sharing
in the spread of the gospel into all the
earth. By accepting Jesus as the Messiah
they might become members of spiritual
Israel.
"The Jewish leaders thought themselves
too wise to need instruction, too righteous
to need salvation, too highly honored to
need the honor that comes from Christ.
The Saviour turned from them to en-
trust to others the privileges they had
abused and the work they had slighted.
God's glory must be revealed, His word
established. Christ's kingdom must be set
up in the world. The salvation of God
must be made known in the cities of the
wilderness; and the disciples were called
to do the work that the Jewish leaders
had failed to
do."-The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
page 16.
Christ and the Gentiles
1. How comprehensive was the
commission Christ gave to the apos-
tles? Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:6-8.
NOTE.-"Just before leaving His disciples,
Christ once more plainly stated the nature
of His kingdom. He recalled to their re-
membrance things He had previously told
them regarding it. He declared that it was
not His purpose to establish in this world
a temporal kingdom. He was not appointed
to reign as an earthly monarch on David's
[
30]
throne. When the disciples asked Him,
`Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again
the kingdom to Israel?' He answered, 'It
is not for you to know the times or the
seasons, which the Father bath put in His
own power.' Acts 1:6, 7. It was not nec-
essary for them to see farther into the
future than the revelations He had made
enabled them to see. Their work was to
proclaim the gospel message."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 30.
2.
What special task was assigned
to Paul? How did he indicate that he
accepted it? Acts 9:15; 13:46, 47;
18:6.
NOTE.—"The circumstances connected
with the separation of Paul and Barnabas
by the Holy Spirit to a definite line of service
show clearly that the Lord works through
appointed agencies in His organized church.
Years before, when the divine purpose con-
cerning Paul was first revealed to him by
the Saviour Himself, Paul was immediately
afterward brought into contact with mem-
bers of the newly organized church at
Damascus. Furthermore, the church at that
place was not long left in darkness as to
the personal experience of the converted
Pharisee. And now, when the divine com-
mission given at that time was to be more
fully carried out, the Holy Spirit, again
bearing witness concerning Paul as a chosen
vessel to bear the gospel to the Gentiles,
laid upon the church the work of ordain-
ing him and his fellow laborer."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 162, 163.
3.
In what words does the apostle
declare the complete equality of all
men in Christ? Col. 3:11; Gal. 3:
28, 29.
Christ and Literal Israel
4.
What does Piul declare to be
the only basis on which God accepts
men as His children? Rom. 9:6-8;
Gal. 4:7.
NOTE.—"In His law God has made
known the principles that underlie all
true prosperity, both of nations and of
individuals. To the Israelites Moses de-
clared of this law: 'This is your wisdom
and your understanding.' It is not a vain
thing for you; because it is your life.'
Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings
thus assured to Israel are, on the same
conditions and in the same degree, assured
to every nation and to every individual
under the broad
heavens."—Prophets and
Kings,
pages 500, 501.
5.
How does Paul explain that
Israel's place in the plan of God has
been taken by the Christian church?
Rom. 9:30-32.
6.
How did Paul answer his own
'question about the possibilities of an
Israelite's finding salvation? Rom.
11:1-6.
The Olive Tree
7.
What happened to the natural
branches of the olive tree, and who
took their place? Rom. 11:17-21.
NOTE.—"Paul likens the remnant in
Israel to a noble olive tree, some of whose
branches have been broken off. He com-
pares the Gentiles to branches from a wild
olive tree, grafted into the parent stock. . . .
"Through unbelief and the rejection of
Heaven's purpose for her, Israel as a nation
had lost her connection with God. But the
branches that had been separated from
the parent stock God was able to reunite
with the true stock of Israel—the remnant
who had remained true to the God of their
fathers."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages
377, 378.
8.
What does Paul say may yet
happen to the natural branches even
after they have been broken off?
Rom. 11:22-24.
9.. What experience did Paul say
would eventually come to "all Is-
rael"? Rom. 11:25, 26; 9:27.
[ 31 ]
NOTE.—"Some commentators hold that
the faithful remnant ... to which are added
those Jews who accept Christ during the
Christian Era, constitute the 'all Israel' who
will be saved. . . .
"Other commentators hold that 'all Is-
rael' represents spiritual Israel. This view
is based on the belief that Paul is here com-
pleting his illustration of the olive tree.
He has shown how the branches represent-
ing the unbelieving Jews were broken off,
and the wild olive shoots, representing the
Gentiles, grafted in. He has shown, also,
how the severed branches could be re-
united with the parent stock. By the grafting
in of these branches the tree representing
spiritual Israel would again be made whole.
`All Israel' would thus represent the totality
of those saved, Jews and Gentiles, who
together constitute 'all' of true Israel (Rom.
2:28, 29; Gal. 6:15,
16)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
on Rom. 11:26.
•
10.
In
what words does Paul
clearly indicate that all men have
equal opportunities before God?
Rom. 3:22; 10:11-13.
NOTE.—"Jesus Christ, the wisdom and
power of God, was the theme of every
discourse. His name—the only name given
under heaven whereby men can be saved—
was by them exalted. As they proclaimed
the completeness of Christ, the risen Sav-
iour, their words moved hearts, and men
and women were won to the gospel. Mul-
titudes who had reviled the Saviour's name
and despised His power now confessed
themselves disciples of the Crucified."—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 594.
One in Christ
11.
How extensive is the appeal of
the gospel of Christ in its applica-
tion? Rom. 1:16. Compare Isa. 45:
22-24.
NoTE.—"We have now only a little time
in which to prepare for
eternity. May
the
Lord open the closed eyes of His people
and quicken their dulled senses, that they
may realize that the gospel is the power of
God unto salvation to them that believe.
May they see the importance of giving so
pure and righteous a representation of God
that the world shall see Him in His beauty.
May they be so filled with the Spirit that
dwells in Him that the world will have no
power to divert them from the work of
presenting to men the wonderful possibil-
ities before every soul who receives Christ."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 7, pp.
11,
12.
12.
What was the purpose of God
in permitting His Son to make the
supreme sacrifice? Eph. 2:16-18;
Acts 4:12.
NOTE.—"The church of Christ is God's
appointed agency for the salvation of men.
Its mission is to carry the gospel to the
world. And the obligation rests upon all
Christians. Everyone, to the extent of his
talent and opportunity, is to fulfill the
Saviour's commission. The love of Christ,
revealed to us, makes us debtors to all
who know Him not. God has given us
light, not for ourselves alone, but to shed
upon them.
"If the followers of Christ were awake
to duty, there would be thousands where'
there is one today proclaiming the gospel
in heathen lands. And all who could not
personally engage in the work, would yet
sustain it with their means, their sympathy,
and their prayers. And there would be far
more earnest labor for souls in• Christian
countries."—Steps
to Christ,
page 81.
13.
How does the apostle state the
principles of Christian life and sal-
vation? Gal. 5:6; 6:15, 16; 1 Cor.
7:19.
NOTE.—"All who consecrate soul, body,
and spirit to God will be constantly re-
ceiving a new endowment of physical and
mental power. The inexhaustible supplies
of heaven are at their command. Christ
gives them the breath of His own spirit,
the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit
puts forth its highest energies to work in
heart and mind. The grace of God en-
larges and multiplies their faculties, and
every perfection of the divine nature comes
32
to their assistance in the work of saving
souls. Through cooperation with Christ
they are complete in Him, and •in their
human weakness they are enabled to do the
deeds of Omnipotence."-The
Desire of
Ages,
page 827.
Lesson 10, for September 3, 1966
Prophecy and the Church
MEMORY VERSE:
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to
give you the kingdom." Luke 12:32.
STUDY HELPS:
"Prophets and Kings," pages 710-721, "The Acts of the Apostles,"
pages 9-16; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To follow the prophetic delineation of God's purpose for His church.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
0
learn memory verse.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Finish study helps.
0
Monday: Questions 5, 6; begin
Friday: Review entire lesson.
reading study helps.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Church and the Messiah
1.
The Messianic prophecies establish
the identity of Christ. Luke 24:
44-48; Acts 8:34, 35.
2.
Christ came at the exact time
prophesied. Mark 1:15.
3.
The blessings promised to Abraham
fulfilled in the promised Seed.
Gal. 3:14-16, 28.
4.
The prophecy of the coming city
yet to be fulfilled. Heb. 11:10-16, .
39.
II. The Church and Salvation
5.
The gospel to be preached in
all
the world. Mark 16:15, 16.
6.
The church of Christ embraces the
faithful of all races. Joel 2:32;
Rom. 10:11-13.
III. The Church and the Kingdom
7. Christ receives the kingdom and
gives it to His saints. Dan. 2:44;
7:14, 22, 27.
8. It is God's pleasure to give the
kingdom to His saints. Luke 12:
31, 32; Matt. 5:3.
9. The gathering of the redeemed
fulfills Christ's prophecies. Matt.
24:31; 25:31, 32.
IV. Preparing for the Kingdom
10. The importance of commandment
keeping in those preparing for
heaven. Isa. 26:2; Matt. 19:17;
Rev. 22:14.
11. Grace and power provided for
salvation. John 1:12.
12. A sanctified, holy people. Heb. 10:
10, 14; Titus 2:12-14; Rev. 14:1-5.
V.
A Universal Kingdom
13. The worldwide extent of the gospel
message fulfills prophecy. Isa. 49:
12, 22, 23; 60:9-11; Matt. 24:14.
14. The Holy Spirit empowers, the
church for its worldwide task.
Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:18-20.
[33
7
THE LESSON
must be' made to save the world from sin.
His followers ,must live as He lived, and
work as He worked, with intense, perse-
vering effort."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
799.
Introduction
"That which God purposed to do for the
world through Israel, the chosen nation,
He will finally accomplish through His
church on earth today. He has 'let out
His vineyard unto other husbandmen,' even
to His covenant-keeping people, who faith-
fully 'render Him the fruits in their sea-
sons.' Never has the Lord been without
true representatives on this earth who have
made His interests their own. These wit-
nesses for God are numbered among the
spiritual Israel, and to them will be ful-
filled all the covenant promises made by
Jehovah to His ancient
people."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 713, 714.
Many Old Testament prophecies were
conditional upon Israel's obedience. They
were not fulfilled, because the people were
disobedient. Others meet their fulfillment
in Christ or in spiritual Israel today.
The Church and the Messiah
1., What use did Jesus make of
the Messianic prophecies concerning
Himself? How did Philip the evan-
gelist speak of them? Luke 24:44-
48; Acts 8:34, 35.
NoTE.—"Reasoning from prophecy,
Christ gave His disciples a correct idea of
what He was to be in humanity. Their ex-
pectation of a Messiah who was to take
His throne and kingly power in accordance
with the desires of men had been mislead-
ing. It would interfere with a correct ap-
prehension of His descent from the highest
to the lowest position that could be oc-
cupied. Christ desired that the ideas of
His disciples might be pure and true in
every specification. They must understand
as far as possible in regard to the cup of
suffering that had been apportioned to
Him. He showed them that the awful
conflict which they could not yet compre-
hend was the fulfillment of the covenant
made before the foundation of the world
was laid. Christ must die, as every trans-
gressor of the law must die if he continues
in sin. All
-
this was to be, but it was not
to end in defeat, but in glorious, eternal
victory. Jesus told them that every effort
2.
What is said of the timeliness
of Christ's coming to this earth?
Mark 1:15. Compare Dan. 9:25; Gal.
4:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Century after century passed
away; finally the voices of the prophets
ceased. The hand of the oppressor was
heavy upon Israel. As the Jews departed
from God, faith grew dim, and hope well-
nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The
words of the prophets were uncompre-
hended by many; and those whose faith
should have continued strong were ready
to exclaim, 'The days are prolonged, and
every vision faileth.' Ezekiel 12:22. But in
heaven's council the hour for the coming
of Christ had been determined; and 'when
the fulness of the time was come, God
sent forth His Son .. . to redeem them that
were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons.'
"—Prophets and
Kings,
page 700.
3.
Through whom were fulfilled
the prophecies of blessings made to
Abraham? Gal. 3:14-17, 28. Compare
Gen. 22:15-18.
NOTE.—"None but the Son of God could
accomplish our redemption; for only He
who was in the bosom of the Father
could declare Him. Only He who knew
the height and depth of the love of God
could make it manifest. Nothing less than
the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in
behalf of fallen man could express the Fa-
ther's love to lost humanity."—Steps
to
Christ,
page 14.
4.
What ancient promise yet re-
mains to be fulfilled to the faithful
of all ages? Heb. 11:10-16, 39. Com-
pare Isa. 54:1.
[ 34 ]
The Church and Salvation
5.
In His commission to His dis-
ciples, how widely did Christ say the
gospel was to be preached? Mark
16:15, 16. Compare Rev. 14:6.
6.
How is Joel's prophecy of de-
liverance to the faithful to find its
final fulfillment in the church of the
last days? Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:11-13.
NorE.—"The spirit which built up the
partition wall between Jew and Gentile
is still active. Pride and prejudice have
built strong walls of separation between
different classes of men. Christ and His
mission have been misrepresented, and mul-
titudes feel that they are virtually shut
away from the ministry of the gospel.
But let .them not feel that they are shut
away from Christ. There are no barriers
which man or Satan can erect but that
faith can penetrate."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
403.
The Church and the Kingdom
7.
To whom will the promised
kingdom be given? Dan 2:44; 7:14,
22, 27. Compare 2 Peter 3:13.
8.
With what precious words did
Jesus assure His disciples of their
inheritance in the promised king-
dom? Luke 12:31, 32; Matt. 5:3.
NOTE.—"Today in the religious world
there are multitudes who, as they believe,
are working for the establishment of the
kingdom of Christ as an earthly and tem-
poral dominion. They desire to make our
Lord the ruler of the kingdoms of this
world, the ruler in its courts and camps,
its legislative halls, its palaces and market
places. They expect Him to rule through
legal enactments, enforced by human au-
thority. . . .
"Not by the decisions of courts or coun-
cils or legislative assemblies, not by the
patronage of worldly great men, is the
kingdom of Christ established, but by the
implanting of Christ's nature in humanity
through the work of the Holy Spirit"—
The Desire of Ages,
page 509..
9.
What prophecies will meet ful-
fillment in the gathering of the re-
deemed of all ages? Matt. 24:31;
25:31, 32.
NoTE.—"Amid the reeling of the earth,
the flash of lightning, and the roar of
thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls
forth the sleeping saints. He looks upon
the graves of the righteous, then, raising
His hands to heaven, He cries: 'Awake,
awake, awake, ye that sleep in the dust,
and arise!' Throughout the length and
breadth of the earth the dead shall hear
that voice, and they that hear shall live.
And the whole earth shall ring with the
tread of the exceeding great army of every
nation, kindred, tongue, and people."—
The Great Controversy,
page 644.
Preparing for the Kingdom
10.
What place do God's com-
mandments fill in preparing one for
citizenship in the kingdom of
heaven? Isa. 26:2; Matt. 19:17; Rev.
22:14.
NOTE
.—"That do his commandments.
. . .
Of the early uncials (see Vol. V, pp.
114-116) only the Sinaiticus and the Alex-
andrinus contain this section of Revelation,
and both of these read 'that wash their
robes.' Most of the minuscule manuscripts
read 'that do his commandments.' The
ancient versions are divided in their read-
ings, as are the patristic quotations. .
"In actual fact both readings suit the
context and are in harmony with John's
teaching elsewhere. On the subject of keep-
ing the commandments see Rev. 12:17;
14:12; cf. John 14:15, 21; 15:10; 1 John
2:3-6. On the subject of washing robes
see Rev. 7:14, where a company of saints
is described as having 'washed their robes,
and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb.'
"—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on
Rev. 22:14.
[35
11.
To whom is granted the privi-
lege of becoming sons of God? John
1:12. Compare Eph. 2:8.
NoTE.—"Christ took with Him to the
heavenly courts His glorified humanity. To
those who receive Him He gives power to
become the sons of God, that at last God
may receive them as His, to dwell with
Him throughout 'eternity. If during this
life they are loyal to God, they will at
last 'see His face; and His name shall be
in their foreheads.' Revelation 22:4. And
what is the happiness of heaven but to see
God? What greater joy could come to the
sinner saved by the grace of Christ than
to look upon the face of God, and know
Him as Father
?"—The Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 421.
12.
What experience comes to
God's people when they accept Christ
as their Saviour? Heb. 10:10, 14;
Titus 2:12-14; Rev. 14:1-5.
NOTE.—"God's people are to be dis-
tinguished as a people who serve Him
fully, wholeheartedly, taking no honor to
themselves, and remembering that by a
most solemn covenant they have bound
themselves to serve the Lord and Him
only."—Testimonies,
Vol. 9, p. 17.
A Universal Kingdom
13.
What prophecies concerning
the Messianic mission of Israel are
now to be fulfilled in the church?
Isa. 49:12, 22, 23; 60:9-11; Matt.
24:14.
NOTE.—"Living examples of holiness and
steadfast integrity have come down to
inspire courage in those who are now
called to stand as witnesses for God. They
received grace and truth, not for them-
selves alone, but that, through them, the
knowledge of God might enlighten the
earth. Has God given light to His servants
in this generation? Then they should let
it shine forth to the world."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 459.
14.
What means has God ordained
to enable His church to fulfill His
purpose today? Acts 1:8; Matt.
28:
18-20.
NoTE.—"Thus the message of the third
angel will be proclaimed. As the time
comes for it to be given with greatest
power, the Lord will work through humble
instruments, leading the minds of those
who consecrate themselves to His service.
The laborers will be qualified rather by the
unction of His Spirit than by the training
of literary institutions. Men of faith and
prayer will be constrained to go forth with
holy zeal, declaring the words which God
gives them. The sins of Babylon will be
laid open. The fearful results of enforcing
the observances of the church by civil au-
thority, the inroads of spiritualism, the
stealthy but rapid progress of the papal
power—all will be unmasked."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 606.
Lesson 11, for September 10, 1966
Attempts to Defeat God's Purposes
MEMORY VERSE:
"And I saw as it were a sea
of glass
mingled with fire: and
them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and
over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of
glass, having the harps of God." Revelation 15:2.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 264-268; "The Great Contro-
versy," pages 49-60 (chapter 3); "S.D.A. Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand the dangers that threaten the fulfillment of God's
purpose for His church, and how the church will triumph over these obstacles.
[36]
into the future, His eye discerned the fierce,
wasting tempests that were to beat upon
His followers in the coming ages of dark-
ness and persecution. In a few brief ut-
terances of awful significance He foretold
the portion which the rulers of this world
would mete out to the church of God. . . .
The followers of Christ must tread the
same path of humiliation, reproach, and
suffering which their Master trod. The
enmity that burst forth against the world's
Redeemer would be manifested against all
who should believe on His name."—The
Great Controversy,
page 39.
2.
What development, already be-
ginning in his day, did Paul foresee
as a threat to the truth of God?
2 Thess. 2:3, 4, 7.
NoTE.—"Paul outlined the baleful work
of that power of evil which was to con-
tinue through long centuries of darkness
and persecution before the second coming
of Christ. The Thessalonian believers had
hoped for immediate deliverance; now they
were admonished to take up bravely and
in the fear of God the work before them.
The apostle charged them not to neglect
their duties or resign themselves to idle
waiting. After their glowing anticipations
of immediate deliverance the round of
daily life and the opposition that they
must meet would appear doubly forbidding.
He therefore exhorted them to steadfast-
ness in the faith."—The
Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pages 266, 267.
3.
Through the symbolism of the
second church of Revelation how did
Jesus warn of the coming of this
apostasy? Rev. 2:9, 10.
NoTE.—"Little by little, at first in stealth
and silence, and then more openly as it in-
creased in strength and gained control of
the minds of men, 'the mystery of iniquity'
carried forward its deceptive and blas-
phemous work. Almost imperceptibly the
customs of heathenism found their way
into the Christian church. The spirit of
compromise and conformity was restrained
for a time by the fierce persecutions which
the church endured under paganism. But
as persecution ceased, and Christianity en-
tered the courts and palaces of kings, she
laid aside the humble simplicity of Christ
and His apostles for the pomp and pride
of pagan priests and rulers; and in place
of the requirements of God, she substi-
tuted human theories and traditions."—The
Great Controversy,
page 49.
In the Grip of Apostasy
4.
How widespread did apostasy
become in the church during the
Dark Ages? Rev. 2:19-22; 3:4.
NOTE.—"Trends that began in earlier
periods became dominant during the Dark
Ages. The Scriptures not being available to
the ordinary Christian, tradition was ex-
alted in their place. Works came to be
considered a means of attaining salvation.
A false and human priesthood obscured
the true and divine priesthood of Jesus
Christ."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on
Rev. 2:18.
5.
How does prophecy depict the
fierce and widespread persecution and
oppression of those times? Rev. 6:
8-11; Matt. 24:21, 22.
6.
Besides the attack on God's peo-
ple, what further attempts did Satan
make to thwart God's purpose? Dan.
7:25.
NOTE.—"When the Scriptures are sup-
pressed, and man comes to regard himself
as supreme, we need look only for fraud,
deception, and debasing iniquity. With the
elevation of human laws and traditions
was manifest the corruption that ever re-
sults from setting aside the law of God."—
The Great Controversy,
page 55.
The Church in the Wilderness
7.
In the face of threatened exter-
mination where did the true followers
of God flee? Rev. 12:6, 13-16.
r 8g
NOTE.—"Amid the gloom that settled
upon the earth during the long period of
papal supremacy, the light of truth could
not be wholly extinguished. In every age
there were witnesses for God—men who
cherished faith in Christ as the only Me-
diator between God and man, who held
the Bible as the only rule of life, and who
hallowed the true Sabbath. How much
the world owes to these men, posterity
will never know. They were branded as
heretics, their motives impugned, their
characters maligned, their writings sup-
pressed, misrepresented, or mutilated. Yet
they stood firm, and from age to age
maintained their faith in its purity, as a
sacred heritage for generations to come."—
The Great Controversy,
page 61.
8.
What relationship to the Lord
preserved the church in the wilder-
ness during its time of tribulation?
Rev. 12:10, 11.
9.
What time limit was placed
upon the development and extent of
this attack upon the purposes of God?
Dan. 7:25; Rev. 12:6; 13:5; Matt.
24:22.
NOTE.—"The forty and two months are
the same as the 'time and times and the
dividing of time,' three years and a half,
or 1260 days, of Daniel 7—the time during
which the papal power was to oppress
God's people. This period, as stated in
preceding chapters, began with the suprem-
acy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and termi-
nated in
1798."—The Great Controversy,
page 439.
The Judgment
10.
What message of judgment fol-
lows the conclusion of the time of
tribulation? Rev. 14:6, 7. Compare
Dan. 7:21, 22.
•
NOTE.—"Though all nations are to pass
in judgment before God, yet He will
examine the case of each individual with as
close and searching scrutiny as if there were
not another being upon the earth. Every-
one must be tested and found without spot
or wrinkle or any such thing."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 490.
11.
What effect will the judgment
have on the forces of evil? Dan. 7:26.
NOTE.—"All who have truly repented of
sin, and by faith claimed the blood of
Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had
pardon entered against their names in the
books of heaven; as they have become
partakers of the righteousness of Christ
and their characters are found to be in
harmony with the law of God, their sins
will be blotted out, and they themselves
will be 'accounted worthy of eternal life."
—The Great Controversy,
page 483.
The Triumph of Truth
12.
What will be the condition of
heart of those doomed to final de-
struction? 2 Thess. 2:9-12; Rev. 21:8.
Compare Gal. 5:19-21.
NOTE.—"The unregenerate not only re-
ject truth but even refuse to entertain a
love for truth, that is, they hate truth. This
attitude does not concern truth in the ab-
stract, but 'the truth,' the one great truth
that comes from God, which is embodied
in Christ Jesus. Final condemnation of
sinners will be based on their rejection of
Jesus, who is 'the truth' (John 14:6).
Their refusal to cherish a love for what is
true makes them susceptible to being in-
fluenced by all that is deceitful, by all the
machinations of the wicked one."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on 2 Thess. 2:10.
13.
What vitally important counsel
is addressed to the Laodicean church?
Rev. 3:18-22.
14.
What final scene of victory
depicts the ultimate triumph of God's
cause on the earth? Rev. 15:1-4.
f 39
NOTE.
-"As Jesus opens before them the
riches of redemption and the amazing
achievements in the great controversy with
Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill
with more fervent devotion, and with more
rapturous joy they sweep the harps of
gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand
and thousands of thousands of voices unite
to swell the mighty chorus of praise."-
The Great Controversy,
page 678.
Lesson 12, for September 17, 1966
The Remnant Preserved
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray
God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thess. 5:23.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," pages 451-460 (chapter 26); "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary"; "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
STUDY AIM:
To identify the faithful remnant who will receive the seal of God
as a symbol of their perfection of character.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
learn memory verse.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin.
reading study helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-6.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 10, 11; read
further from study helps.
❑
Thursday: Questions 12, 13; finish
reading study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Remnant in Bible Times
1.
A faithful remnant preserved dur-
ing the time of the captivity.
2 Chron. 30:6; Ezek. 6:8, 9.
2.
A remnant in apostolic times.
Rom. 9:27;
11:5.
II. The Last
-
Day Remnant
3.
The last-day remnant designated
by John. Rev. 12:17.
4.
The true remnant will keep the
commandments and have the faith
of Jesus. Rev. 14:12.
5.
The gospel to be preached in all
the world in the last days. Rev.
14:6, 7.
6.
The last gospel call to go with
power. Rev.
18:1
-
4.
III. A Holy Nation
7.
God's commandments proclaimed
and kept. Rev. 14:6-12.
8.
The redeemed wear robes symbolic
of purity of character. Rev. 7:9,
13-15; 1 Thess 5:23.
9.
Holiness of character forever fixed.
Rev. 22:11 (last part), 12.
10.
A special blessing promised to the
faithful. Rev. 3:20, 21.
11.
Personal preparation for latter
rain required. Hosea 6:1-3; Joel
2:12, 13.
1V. The Seal of God
12.
The seal of God placed on
the
righteous. Rev. 7:1-4.
13.
Spiritual preparation for the second
coming of Christ. 2 Peter 3:13, 14;
1:10, 11.
[
40]
6. What message does the angel of 13-15; 1 Thess. 5:23. Compare Rev.
Revelation 18 repeat and amplify? 3:5, 18.
Rev. 18:1-4. Compare Rev.. 14:8-11.
NoTE.—"The angel who unites in the
proclamation of the third angel's message
is to lighten the whole earth with his
glory. A work of world-wide extent and
unwonted power is here foretold. The
advent movement of 1840-1844 was a
glorious manifestation of the power of
God; the first angel's message was carried
to every missionary station in the world,
and in some countries there was the greatest
religious interest which has been witnessed
in any land since the Reformation of the
sixteenth century; but these are to be
exceeded by the mighty movement under
the last warning of the third angel."—The
Great Controversy,
page 611.
A Holy Nation
7.
To what feature of God's law
do the three angels' messages draw
attention? Rev. 14:6-12. Compare
Isa. 58:12-14.
NOTE.—"In Eden, God set up the me-
morial of His work of creation, in placing
His blessing upon the seventh day. The Sab-
bath was committed to Adam, the father
and representative of the whole human
family. Its observance was to be an act
of grateful acknowledgement, on the part of
all who should dwell upon the earth, that
God was their Creator and their rightful
Sovereign; that they were the work of His
hands and the subjects of His authority.
Thus the institution was wholly com-
memorative, and given to all mankind.
There was nothing in it shadowy, or of
restricted application to any people."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 48.
8.
As John saw the saved in heaven,
in what were they clothed? How had
the experience symbolized by these
garments been achieved? Rev. 7:9,
NOTE.—"We are now living in the great
day of atonement. In the typical service,
while the high priest was making the atone-
ment for Israel, all were required to afflict
their souls by repentance of sin and humil-
iation before the Lord, lest they be cut
off from among the people. In like manner,
all who would have their names retained
in the book of life should now, in the few
remaining days of their probation, afflict
their souls before God by sorrow for sin
and true repentance. There must be deep,
faithful searching of heart. The light, friv-
olous spirit indulged by so many professed
Christians must be put away.. . . The work
of preparation is an individual work. We
are not saved in groups. The purity and
devotion of one will not offset the want
of these qualities in another."—The
Great
Controversy,
pages 489, 490.
9.
What will be the spiritual con-
dition of God's remnant people when
Christ returns? Rev. 22:11 (last part),
12.
Compare Heb. 10:14.
10.
What does God promise as a
special blessing to His faithful rem-
nant? Rev. 3:20, 21.
•
11.
What preparation did the
prophet say was necessary for the
reception of the latter rain by the
remnant? Hosea 6:1-3; Joel 2:12, 13,
32. Compare Rev. 14:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Not one of us will ever receive
the seal of God while our characters have
one spot or stain upon them. It is left
with us to remedy the defects in our char-
acters, to cleanse the soul temple of every
defilement. Then the latter rain will fall
42
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey;
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
0
learn memory verse.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12-14.
0
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
helps.
reading study helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Restoring the Lost Unity
1.
Christ prayed for the restoration of
lost unity. John 14:1-3; 17:21-24.
2.
Christians are adopted as sons of
God. Eph. 1:3-6; 1 John 3:1, 2.
3.
Unity to be revealed in the church.
1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:12, 13.
4.
God rewards His purchased pos-
session with a crown of righteous-
ness. Eph. 1:11-14.
II. Destroying All Evil
5.
The final battle against evil.
Rev. 16:13-16.
6.
The wicked punished, the righteous
rewarded. Matt. 13:39-43.
7.
Complete destruction meted out to
Satan and sinful men. Rev. 20:9,
10, 14, 15; 21:7,8.
III. Redeeming His Purchased
Possession
8.
The gates and the foundations of
New Jerusalem named for twelve
patriarchs and twelve apostles.
Rev. 21:12-14.
9.
Dominion restored through Christ.
Dan. 7:13, 14, 22, 27.
10.
Face-to-face communion with God
restored. Rev. 21:3, 7; 22:3, 4.
11.
The nations of the saved bring
their glory and honor to God's city.
Rev. 21:24-26.
IV. Living the Purpose of God
12.
The kingdom of God first to be
established in men's hearts. Luke
17:21; Col. 1:26.
13.
Christians will witness for God
and reflect His power. 1 Peter 2:
11, 12 ; 2 Peter 3:13, 14.
14.
God able to keep us from falling
and present us faultless at the
second advent. Jude 24, 25; Heb.
10:34-37.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Christ has given to the church, a sacred
charge. Every member should be a channel
through which God can communicate to
the world the treasures of His grace, the
unsearchable riches of Christ. There is
nothing that the Saviour desires so much
as agents who will represent to the world
His Spirit and His character. ... All heaven
is waiting for men and women through
whom God can reveal the power of Chris-
tianity.
"The church is God's agency for the
proclamation of truth, empowered by Him
to do a special work; and if she is loyal
to Him, obedient to all His commandments,
there will dwell within her the excellency
of divine grace."-The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 600.
Restoring the Lost Unity
1. What is the expressed purpose of
Christ for us? John 14:1-3; 17:21-24.
NOTE.
-"This
is the divine purpose-the
restoration of a lost unity. It must neces-
sarily be in Christ, because He is the center
of all things. All things were made by
Him ; He upholds all things by the word of
His power; He is the center of the church
and its supreme hope. The Christian life
is no solitary adventure into the kingdom
of God; the Christian is a member of a
community, the body of Christ, the church.
The unity of God's universe had been
broken by sin. The mystery of God's will
was His plan to restore this unity when
[44]
7.
What is the ultimate fate of
evil, sin, and Satan? Rev. 20:9, 10,
14, 15; 21:7, 8.
Redeeming His Purchased
Possession
8.
What representative names are
inscribed on the gates and the foun-
dations of the New Jerusalem? Rev.
21:12-14. Compare Heb. 11:10, 14-16.
NOTE.—"Then it is that the redeemed
from among men will receive their promised
inheritance. Thus God's purpose for Israel
will meet with literal fulfillment. That
which God purposes, man is powerless to
disannul. Even amid the working of evil,
God's purposes have been moving steadily
forward to their accomplishment. It was
thus with the house of Israel throughout
the history of the divided monarchy; it
is thus with spiritual Israel today."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 720.
9.
Through whom is the dominion
restored to God's chosen people?
Dan. 7:13, 14, 22, 27.
NOTE.—"Fellow pilgrim, we are still
amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly
activities; but soon our Saviour is to ap-
pear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us
by faith behold the blessed hereafter as
pictured by the hand of God. He who
died for the sins of the world is opening
wide the gates of Paradise to all who be-
lieve on Him. Soon the battle will have
been fought, the victory
won."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages 731, 732.
10.
In the earth restored what close
relationship will be between God and
the redeemed? Rev. 21:3, 7; 22:3, 4.
11.
What is said of the relationship
between God and the nations in the
new earth? Rev. 21:24-26.
Living the Purpose of God
12.
Where must the kingdom of
God first be established if we are to
inherit eternal life? Luke 17:21; Col.
1:26.
NOTE.—"Now, as in Christ's day, the
work of God's kingdom lies not with those
who are clamoring for recognition and sup-
port by earthly rulers and human laws, but
with those who are declaring to the people
in His name those spiritual truths that
will work in the receivers the experience
of Paul: . .. [Galatians 2:20 quoted.] Then
they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of
men. He said, Now then we are ambassa-
dors for Christ, as though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead,
be ye reconciled to God.' 2 Cor. 5:20."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 510.
13.
What responsibilities rest upon
us as we bear witness to the power
and salvation of God in our lives?
1 Peter 2:11, 12; 2 Peter 3:13, 14.
NOTE.—"The truth is soon to triumph
gloriously, and all who no
-
v choose to be
laborers together with Gcld will triumph
with it. The time is short; the night soon
cometh when no man can work. Let those
who are rejoicing in the light of present
truth now make haste to impart the truth
to others. The Lord is inquiring, 'Whom
shall I send?' Those who wish to sacrifice
for the truth's sake are now to respond:
`Here am I; send me.' Isaiah
6:8."—Testi-
monies,
Vol. 9, p. 135.
14.
As we fulfill God's purpose for
our lives, what glorious assurance is
ours for the future? Jude 24, 25; Heb.
10:34-37.
NOTE.—"Soon the garments of heaviness
will be changed for the wedding garment.
Soon we shall witness the coronation of
our King. Those whose lives have been
hidden with Christ, those who on this
earth have fought the good fight of faith,
will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory
in the kingdom of
God."—Testimonies,
Vol.
9, p. 287.
1
46
1
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 24, 1966
Trans-Africa Division
It was in 1894 that a little band of missionaries arrived at Solusi and
opened the first Seventh-day Adventist mission station for non-Christian
people. The early years of work at Solusi were years of test and trial. But
out of those years of hard work, sickness, and sacrifice of life has come a
strong mission program, centered in a Christian college that has made an
impact on the Adventist Church that will be felt to the end of time.
Solusi-trained students now fill many places of responsibility in the
work of the church in Africa in these trying times. This must be in-
creasingly true in the years ahead, but it will not be so unless this school
can be enlarged and strengthened to meet the growing needs. The over-
flow this quarter will help to meet some of the most urgent needs, which are:
I. An adequate and dependable water supply.
2.
A suitable library.
3.
A science building furnished and equipped for teaching science on
the college level.
Won't you come to the aid of Old Solusi at this critical time?
Lessons for the Fourth Quarter, 1966
Sabbath. School members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the fourth quarter of 1966 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the series is,. "The Spirit-Filled Life." The title of
the first lesson is "Christlikeness." The memory verse is Romans 8:9, last part.
The study helps are
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary
and
Steps to Christ,
chapter
"Growing Up Into Christ." The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Isa. 11:1-5 ; 61:1-3.
Ques. 2. Matt. 9:36; Luke 9:51-56;
Eph. 5:2 ; Ga1. 6:2.
Ques. 3. Col. 1:13-15; Heb. 1:1-3.
Ques. 4. Gen. 1:26, 27.
Ques. 5. Rom. 8:29.
Ques. 6. Col. 3:8-10.
Ques. 7. 1 John 2:6.
Ques. 8. Rom. 8:9, last part.
Ques. 9. 2 Peter 1:4.
Ques. 10. 2 Cor. 1:21, 22.
Ques. 11. 1 Cor. 15:49.
Ques. 12. 1 John 3:2; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
Ques. 13. Phil. 3:20, 21.
47
CArt
SOUTHWEST AFRICA
WINDNOIX •
TWA •
rcun
POREST)
t. WERT
EQUATOR
FR. EQUATORIAL
AFRICA
L =I%
ATLANTIS OCEAN
UGANDA
ItIOCA
EAST AFRICAN UNION
•
CNEIWAI
RuCiplA
t
CETRAL
AFRICA
N
KIRUND •
-
UNION
w
itWArA
TCATY:
.
/1
1
CONGO UNION
.1)117
.
1;
„
TANZANIA
UNION
RONCOLO
DAR ES SALAA
TANZANIA
•
.
N00
CN WINE
RANCVENAU
SAIITNYILLE0
..
•
PURA
4
.
,
:;' ,
L
.
,
ON
P!
° ' 4
5)
y.
f
u F
4
'
t
4.--
-
"
-
4
, ,
cv
.zz
,
;
,
4
.cwao
I
1
<
1
J
SALT MIN i
s
- 2
e.ELULA
.WATO
-I
1
'
1
SALT
'o
.
s n IL o •
v:-
KAN
-"
YE H:I
f
i-..
nTA
tIAN
(
NESIURGI
P
.....
PEITORIA •
r"
•
SWAZILAND
1
,
,
OR AN
CE
**"*." /
PLOW ONION°
KNAILAI5
FREE STATE )
olirtikKANuEI.
11A(U
.
TO
,
LA1D.Z.'
KOLQ
1 umtrri;
A.
vr
..---•`z—
.4.1
4
7
-,./
(
O
CAPE PROVINCE
•
TOWN
NELDERIERC
O
TRANS-AFRICA
DIVISION
Church
Unions
Population
Churches
Members
Central African
5,500,000
369
64,608
Congo
16,400,000
116
14,134
East African
16,388,790
293
53,988
South African
18,116,184
258
20,118
South-East African
3.028,000
126
21,135
Tanzania
9,100,000
95
16,716
Zambesi
6,990,400
235
40,620
Division Totals
75,523,374
1,492
231,319
VC
STANLETVILL
I- EDWARD
T NATI
O
NAL
"1
S
A'R
Pa
l
e
All
-
K
IM%
:RANACALNIO ealgt
LiSORIA
•
EISURIu
KENYA
P
10.00
KIND
CONGO
•
t'
s
l
'
A
SOUTI:1
;
EAST AFRIct
A
UNION'
NDOLA•
MLIDDIV•
ZAMBIA
,
A„
Pt
It
TRANSVAAL
sAustuty
INYAKURA •
RHODESIA
OIANCP R VII
INDIAN TAN
04
e
bo
y
SOLUSI
II'COLLEGE
o
tt.